A Prince Edward Island man who was making threats in order to be sent back to jail was found not guilty Nov.18.
Dennis Joseph O’Brien was released from a Nova Scotia prison on Sept. 9, when he was sent directly to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Charlottetown for mental assessment. He served his sentence of 30 years in prison, but said he didn’t want to leave.
There were complaints made that O’Brien was threatening staff at the hospital in order to be sent back to jail.
He said that’s where he feels more comfortable and was scared of the outside world.
But after appearing in provincial court on Nov.18, O’Brien said he changed his mind and didn’t want to go back to jail afterall.
“I wish I could have said something differently but the damage is done,” he said.
Officials have reasons to believe O’Brien may pose a threat to the public so they released him with conditions such as having a curfew from 12 p.m. to 7 a.m. and refrain from using alcohol and drugs. He also has to have regular counselling sessions.
Judge Cindy Wedge said the main focus is the protection of the community.
“He needs to learn there are rules and he has to follow the rules,” she said.
