Mount Royal suspect to get psychiatric treatment

A man who was charged this month with randomly stabbing a man on Mount Royal will undergo court-ordered psychiatric treatment during the next two months to determine if he can eventually participate in his defence.

Quebec Court Judge Alexandre St-Onge issued an order Thursday morning that requires Jean Therrien, 47, to undergo treatment at the Philippe Pinel Institute. The order is an unusual one because, unlike in most cases involving an accused with mental health problems, Therrien refused to agree to the treatment. The hearing was held to determine if the treatment is reasonable under the circumstances.

Therrien was arrested by Montreal police hours after 56-year-old Louis Bourque was stabbed, on the night of Aug. 7, while he was walking with his son on Mount Royal. At the time, Montreal police could find no motive for the stabbing because there appeared to be no connection between Therrien and the victim.

During Thursday’s hearing at the Montreal courthouse, psychiatrist Louis Morrissette testified about the evaluation he conducted on Therrien recently. St-Onge was informed last week that the psychiatrist determined Therrien is currently unfit to stand trial. Morrissette also testified about the treatment Therrien should undergo in order to improve his mental health to a point where he can participate in his defence on the attempted murder charge he faces.

Morrissette testified during a part of the hearing that was closed off to the public, but StOnge summarized what was said later on. Morrissette determined that Therrien suffers from a persecution disorder that leaves him delusional. Therrien was treated for the same disorder in 2014 and 2015, and his condition improved with treatment. The judge ordered that Therrien be required to take two types of anti-psychotic medication while at the Philippe Pinel Institute and that doctors be allowed to monitor his health. For example, St-Onge ordered that doctors be allowed to X-ray Therrien’s lungs and test his heart.

Besides refusing treatment, Therrien has insisted on acting as his own lawyer. Sandra Tremblay, a defence lawyer who was assigned by the court to make sure Therrien’s rights are respected, told the judge that Morrissette’s testimony made it clear the treatment was in Therrien’s best interest.

St-Onge is scheduled to be informed of the results of the 60-day treatment on Oct. 23.