The hearing continues to assess whether a Quebec man, Pierre Ny St-Amand, should be labeled a ‘high-risk’ offender after being found not criminally responsible for a tragic bus crash at a daycare in Laval. Psychiatrists have diagnosed Ny St-Amand with experiencing psychosis during the incident, raising concerns about potential future risks.
During the recent testimony at the Laval courthouse, psychiatrist Alexandre Hudon from the Philippe Pinel Institute highlighted that Ny St-Amand faces a significant chance of relapsing into psychosis in the next five years, especially under stressful conditions similar to those in 2023. Hudon also indicated that Ny St-Amand poses a moderate risk of violence.
The Crown prosecutor, Simon Blais, mentioned that the hearing involves the completion of expert testimonies and the subsequent presentation of a defense psychologist, Dr. Vaillancourt. The defense is planning to challenge the ‘high-risk’ offender status in court, arguing its potential discrimination based on constitutional rights.
Montreal lawyer Julius Grey emphasized the need for clear mechanisms to revoke such a status, emphasizing equality and human rights concerns for individuals deemed not criminally responsible. The judge is expected to render a decision on Ny St-Amand’s case, considering both the ‘high-risk’ offender status and its constitutionality issues.
