A West Island man accused in the attempted murder of his two children has been found not criminally responsible.
After Crown prosecutors reviewed the psychiatric evaluation and professional recommendations that he is not criminally responsible, they have decided not to pursue a trial.
“We are very satisfied with the verdict,” said defense lawyer Alexandre Bien-Aimé. “We’re happy for the family that’s been supporting him since the beginning of the case.”
The 36-year-old man, who cannot be named to protect the identity of the children, entered the court room for a preliminary inquiry Wednesday, wiping tears from his eyes multiple times.
Pinel Institute psychiatrist Dr. Chantale Bouchard was the lone witness called, and told the judge that in her opinion, the man was not criminally responsible for his actions. Bouchard was among the psychiatrists who evaluated the man during his detention. Crown prosecutor Anne Joncas-Côté spent a few hours reviewing the testimony and decided she agreed.
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“After hearing the testimony of the psychiatrist, we came to the conclusion that the opinion that the accused was not criminally responsible at the time of the event,” Joncas-Côté told Global News.
“We could not challenge that conclusion.”
The details of Bouchard’s psychiatric assessment of the man cannot be reported.
The man is not free to go and he will continue being detained at the Pinel Institute. The Crown could not give a timeframe.
“He’s going to receive some treatment,” said Joncas-Côté, adding he would the Tribunal Administratif du Québec would then evaluate the situation.
Last November, Montreal police received a call about a man in crisis inside a home.
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When officers arrived at the scene, they located a five-year-old boy and a 69-year-old man, both suffering from gunshot wounds.
They were taken to hospital to be treated and the suspect surrendered to police officers without incident.
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During Wednesday’s hearing, some of the family members in attendance were teary-eyed. Some avoided looking at the accused.
The man’s family refused comment. His defense lawyer said they support him.
“They will continue to support him during treatment and look forward to having him home,” said Bien-Aimé.
The man will have to adhere to strict conditions.
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