Richard Lesann, who was found not criminally responsible on September 30, 2014 for the 2011 stabbing death of Tammy Kulaway, is being released from the Saskatchewan Hospital to live independently in Battleford.
Following a hearing January 14, the Saskatchewan Review Board decided that while “it is satisfied that Richard continues to represent a significant threat to the community,” it is prepared to issue a conditional discharge.
The board cited significant improvements in his behaviour since his last review April 24, 2015 when it decided ongoing detention at a halfway house was required because Lesann was not fully engaged in addictions programming and required “greater insight into his illness and triggers for relapse.”
The latest decision, issued February 2, concludes that has improved to the point continued incarceration is unwarranted.
“Remarkably, Richard has addressed the concerns of the SRB in a very impressive manner,” the report stated. “He has attended over 50 AA meetings, one-on-one counseling and is gainfully employed, as well as regularly attending church and participating in physical fitness activities.”
The board considered reports by Lesann’s addiction counselor, his treatment team and a psychological risk assessment by a former member of the treatment team in reaching its conclusion. All three identified him as “low risk” and ready to be discharged.
The SRB also relied on the assessment of Erin Bartsch, the Attorney General of Saskatchewan’s legal counsel that “considering all of the circumstances, including the circumstances of the offence, that there is evidence that Richard represents a significant risk to the public.”
The board agreed placing nine conditions on the release: that he not possess or consume alcohol; that he not possess or consume no-prescription drugs; that he follow all the ongoing directions of his treatment team; that maintains regular contact with his mental health nurse; that he lives at an approved address; that he not possess any weapons; that attend all hearings of the SRB as required; that he reside in Battleford/North Battleford; and that he has no contact with nine named individuals, who are members of Tammy Kulaway’s family.
The board will once again review Lesann’s case in January 2017 or earlier if requested by “a party or a member of Richard’s treatment team.”
