We all know the wheels of the justice system turn very slowly.
It’s taken nearly seven years to reach the decision handed down in a Duncan courtroom Monday, finding Colin John not criminally responsible by reason of mental disorder in the 2016 death of Derek Descoteau in Chemainus. And it’s still far from over yet.
Along the way in this case, there have also been many twists and turns. And this is a prime example of how a pending outcome can also turn on a dime.
It’s hard to explain all that’s happened and have it make any sense since John was arrested on May 20, 2016 at the scene.
Suffice it to say the case has gone through all the necessary steps, beginning with a preliminary hearing. But then the proceedings continually bogged down. First, John is declared fit for trial, then it’s adjourned while a fitness assessment is conducted, then he’s declared unfit and then back to regaining fitness to stand trial.
It all came to a supposed head on Nov. 30, 2021 when it was decided John would enter a guilty plea to the second degree murder of Descoteau and a downgraded charge of aggravated assault from his attack on Janelle Guyatt.
It seemed at that point all that remained was for John to be jailed after whatever sentence was imposed.
But the judge ordered a pre-sentence report with a psychiatric component and eventually the defence wound up making an application for a not criminally responsible by reason of mental disorder verdict. That led to more hearings over several months, almost like a mini-trial in itself.
Then John is found not responsible for his actions that day.
It makes you realize how much clout accused persons have in the legal system. They are given so many chances to possibly evade being held fully responsible for their actions, but the families who’ve lost loved ones are helpless to just watch it all play out.
In this case, that time frame has been far too long.
Now, the B.C. Review Board will need to hold a public hearing within 45 days to determine how much of a threat John poses to society. This is going to be the most daunting decision the families will be facing.
@chemainusnews
don.bodger@chemainusvalleycourier.ca
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.