A man diagnosed with severe mental health conditions, who was found not criminally responsible for a violent stabbing attack, is being considered for increased freedoms despite continuing to pose a significant public threat, according to a recent ruling by the Ontario Review Board (ORB). Delroy Apple, who has a history of violence and substance abuse, is moving towards greater community access while under the care of a mental health facility.

Background of Delroy Apple

Delroy Apple, 47, has a complex history involving mental health challenges, substance use, and criminal convictions. Born in Guyana, he experienced childhood abuse before moving to Canada in 2003. He later lived in the United States, where he was convicted of drug offenses and deported back to Guyana in 2005. Returning to Canada in 2010 as a “protected person” based on his LGBTQ status, he married in 2011 but separated the following year. Since 2014, he has been supported by the Ontario Disability Support Program.

Apple has been diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, bipolar type, borderline personality disorder, antisocial personality traits, and a severe amphetamine-type substance use disorder. His history includes frequent emergency room visits for paranoia and psychosis, often linked to crystal methamphetamine use. He has also had a methamphetamine overdose and a suicide attempt.

The 2019 Aggravated Assault

In July 2019, Apple attacked a stranger in a Toronto convenience store. The incident involved shattering glass bottles, wrestling the victim to the ground, and stabbing him multiple times with the broken glass. Store staff intervened, and the victim was taken to a trauma center for treatment of his injuries. In April 2020, Apple was found not criminally responsible for this aggravated assault due to a mental disorder.

Extensive Criminal History

Apple’s criminal record predates the 2019 assault. His offenses began in New Jersey in 2005 with drug convictions. Between 2012 and 2018, he accumulated 39 criminal convictions in Canada. These include multiple instances of sexual assault, assault with a weapon, armed robbery, assault on a peace officer, indecent assault, and numerous breaches of probation and recognizance orders. This extensive history underscores the concerns regarding public safety.

Hospitalization and Treatment

Following the finding of not criminally responsible, Apple was placed in mental health facilities. He was transferred in August 2024 from Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care to the secure Forensic Rehabilitation Unit at Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences in Whitby, Ontario.

In February 2025, shortly after being granted indirectly supervised privileges, Apple left the facility without authorization and traveled to New Jersey. He was returned to Ontario Shores on February 19, 2025. His off-unit privileges were initially suspended but later reinstated.

Recent ORB Decision and Increased Privileges

A recent decision from the Ontario Review Board (ORB), dated June 25, outlines Apple’s current status and future considerations. While acknowledging that Apple “continues to represent a significant threat to the public,” the board has authorized increased privileges, including community living under supervision.

The ORB decision noted that in May 2025, Apple was still experiencing symptoms such as auditory hallucinations and had been using methamphetamine daily while away from the hospital. These behaviors led to an exacerbation of his symptoms, including paranoia and delusions.

However, the board’s latest review indicates a marked improvement. The report from 2026 acknowledged previous concerns about medication compliance, insight, and elopement risk, which had deemed him unsuitable for community living at that time. Despite these past issues, the hospital’s report recommended continued detention with privileges, including community living.

Positive Clinical Developments

The ORB decision highlights several positive developments in Apple’s condition over the past year:

• His risk of violence has been effectively managed within the secure forensic unit.
• He has demonstrated consistent engagement in treatment.
• There have been no recent episodes of acute psychotic decompensation, manic, or hypomanic episodes.
• He continues to experience auditory hallucinations, but these are described as non-distressing and stable, not associated with behavioral disturbances or increased risk.
• There have been no major incidents, including aggression, behavioral dysregulation, or escape attempts.
• His adherence to medication and sustained abstinence from substances are credited with his clinical stability.
• His ongoing engagement in treatment and acceptance of clinical recommendations are viewed as positive factors for risk management.

Apple’s psychiatrist testified that the treatment team has observed “significant improvements” over the last year, leading the hospital to request permission for community living moving forward.

Transition to Less Secure Environment

The ORB has deemed a gradual transition to a less secure environment, such as a general forensic unit, clinically appropriate. Apple has been placed on a waiting list for such a transfer. The treatment team anticipates he will remain compliant with his psychotropic medications and is optimistic that he can successfully navigate the increased exposure to illicit substances and opportunities to elope, based on his recent behavior.

Current Privileges and Future Outlook

The ORB ordered that Apple remain detained at Ontario Shores but with privileges that extend up to and including community living. He currently has grounds privileges, requiring staff accompaniment or indirect supervision. He is also permitted 12-hour passes to travel up to 150 kilometers from the facility, always with an escort. Furthermore, he may reside in supervised community accommodation approved by the hospital’s director.

This decision reflects a cautious approach, balancing the need for public safety with the progress made in Apple’s mental health treatment and rehabilitation. The gradual increase in freedoms is contingent on his continued stability and adherence to treatment protocols.