The Saskatchewan Review Board met in North Battleford Friday to again consider the case of Layne Larose.
Larose, who was found not criminally responsible for the axe-killings of David Kennedy and Hughie Sayers on May 28, 2002 in North Battleford, was back before the panel at Saskatchewan Hospital.
The main issue before the panel was the same one that has come up before in recent meetings: whether the Review Board should give Larose an absolute discharge, or have Larose continue to be subject to their jurisdiction in the case.
After a brief and relatively informal meeting with Larose and his counsel, Judge Hugh Harradence indicated the Review Board would take time to consider the submissions and issue a decision.
Larose, who had received treatment in the past at Saskatchewan Hospital, was released in 2011 and has been able to live in the community under a number of conditions. Those include taking medication, attending all his scheduled appointments and staying away from drugs or alcohol.
With only minor exceptions, Larose has been able to meet those conditions. It was acknowledged by Larose and others at the latest board hearing that Larose had continued to take medication and had stayed away from using alcohol or drugs. He was also credited with meeting all his appointments and doing everything he needed to do.
The board had received some reports including one from the new psychiatrist assigned to Larose to assess his risk.
Larose’s counsel Linda Wood made the submission that Larose should not be under the Review Board’s jurisdiction any further, saying he has proven he is dedicated to his mental health.
The Crown acknowledged the progress Larose had made, but voiced concerns about the possibility of a relapse. Lawyer Erin Bartsch from the ministry of Justice voiced concern the real impetus for Larose’s continued abstention from alcohol and drugs was the Review Board’s continued jurisdiction.
“Willpower is not the best plan for relapse prevention,” she said.
In general, the board seemed encouraged by Larose’s continued progress and continued commitment to his treatment. A decision on whether the board would grant an absolute discharge is expected to happen in the coming weeks.
