Vince Li could get absolute discharge
Medical team to appear before Criminal Code Review Board Monday; have suggested increased freedom every year
The man who was found not criminally responsible for a beheading on a Greyhound bus could be given complete freedom after aManitoba Criminal Code Review Board hearing on Monday.
He could get an "absolute discharge," depending on what his medical team has to say at his annual review hearing.
Baker has to go before theManitoba Criminal Review Board every year, as theydetermine whether a person who is found not criminally responsible poses a threat to the safety of the public.
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- Department ofJustice fact sheet on NCR
The board's other option if Bakeris found not to be a threat to the public is to grant an absolute discharge. He would no longer be required to attend annual reviews and or abide by conditions. Experts say NCR offenders are unlikely to reoffend.
In 2008, Baker was sitting next to McLean on a bus near Portage la Prairiewhen he repeatedly stabbed McLean and mutilated his body.
He was found not criminally responsible because of hisschizophrenia. Bakerbelieved he was chosen by God to save people from an alien attack.
Will Baker'sallowed to:
2016:live independently in Winnipeg, with conditions
2015:livein ahalfway house in Winnipeg.
2014: moved to unlocked ward. Allowedunescorted trips into Selkirk, beginning at 30 minutes and working up.
2013: supervised visits to Winnipeg and beaches near Selkirk.
2012:short, escortedoutings from hospital.
2011: Doctors say Bakercould be ready for unescorted walks on hospital grounds within a year.
2010: Daily walks on hospital grounds.
- Click here for a timeline of the events leading up to and directly following the killing.
Every change to Baker's conditions seems to prompt controversy, from McLean's family rallying for a lawto change NCR rules,to a law professor complaining about meddling politicians.
McLean's mother, Carolde Delley, has been outspoken in her belief that Baker should stay locked up.
- Doc Zone:Not Criminally Responsible
- The Fifth Estate: The Man Who Hears Voices
- High-profile cases and the 'not criminally responsible' defence
But every year the review board has granted him more and more freedom, because doctors have labelled him a "model patient" and low risk to society.
The Supreme Court of Canada ruled in 1999 that a review board must order an absolute discharge if a person doesn't pose a significant threat to public safety.
The hearing, held in Winnipeg, begins at 1 p.m.