No jail for man who left Hillsborough Hospital without permission

A 19-year-old man charged as a youth gets conditional discharge for breaching probation

A P.E.I. man who left the Hillsborough Hospital without permission was recently given a conditional discharge for breaching his probation.

The man, who is 19 but can’t be identified because he was charged as a youth, appeared before Judge John Douglas in provincial court in Charlottetown for sentencing.

Crown attorney Lisa Goulden told the court a sexual deviancy report update was prepared for the man whose criminal history involved sexual assault and sexual interference.

His probation breach related to his admission to Hillsborough Hospital where he was supposed to stay but left without permission.

Goulden said the man had several unsuccessful placements, and there were difficulties when he was living with a family member.

The court heard he has aged out of youth living programs.

Goulden also said he struggles with basic life skills and he seems overly sexualized.

Defence lawyer Thane MacEachern said the longerterm plan for his client was concerning, and his options were limited.

“He needs supportive living,” MacEachern said.

With the discharge, the man will have to follow several conditions for 18 months. They include reporting to a probation officer and following their directions regarding housing and counselling or treatment.

He must also pay a $100 victim surcharge.