Thirty-nine-year-old James Alexander Brown of St. Thomas, who was charged with attempted murder in a case of domestic violence on May 16, 2023, yesterday (July 17) was designated a Dangerous Offender in court.
His partner, at the time, a 24-year-old female, was hospitalized with life-threatening injuries. The quick action of police officers is being credited with saving her life.
Police say the two had been involved in an altercation that led to the shooting and the man fleeing the apartment at 341 Talbot Street.
The next day, forensic investigators found the body of a dog in the apartment.
It is suspected to have suffered gunshot wounds.
In most cases, the DangeroOffender designation results in an indeterminate sentence, meaning there is no predetermined release date.
In a statement, St. Thomas Police Chief Marc Roskamp stressed, “The judicial decision . . . represents a significant outcome for community safety and for the victim who has endured the devastating impact of his violent criminal behaviour.
“Mr. Brown has demonstrated, over the course of much of his life, a persistent pattern of violence and criminal conduct. His repeated offending, culminating in his most recent egregious convictions, clearly established the need for this designation.
“The court has recognized what years of offending have demonstrated – that he poses an ongoing and unacceptable risk to public safety.”
Roskamp continued, “A Dangerous Offender designation is the most serious designation available under Canadian law for violent offenders. Today’s designation provides the strongest protection available for our community.
“Any future release is not automatic and will occur only if the Parole Board of Canada is satisfied that the offender no longer presents an undue risk to public safety. Every person has the right to feel safe and to be safe in their community.
“Today’s decision reinforces the fundamental principle that individuals who repeatedly commit serious violent offences must be held accountable for their actions and that the principle of community and victim safety remains paramount.”
Roskamp concluded, “My thoughts remain with the victim and her family who have suffered life-altering consequences because of Mr. Brown’s actions. Their courage and resilience throughout the criminal justice process should never be overlooked. I hope today’s decision provides them with a measure of reassurance that their voices were heard.”
Written by Ian McCallum
