Allan Schoenborn 'high-risk accused' hearing underway in B.C. Supreme Court

The hearing to have Allan Schoenborn designated a "high-risk accused" began this morning in B.C. Supreme Court.

The mentally ill father was found not criminally responsible after killing his three children eight years ago in Merritt.

A spokesman for Darcie Clarke, the mother of the children, said they have been pushing for Schoenborn to be labelled high-risk so the family doesn't have to be dragged through a review of his status every year. 

High-risk offenders are reviewed every three years. 

"One of the provision was that so the family could heal," said Dave Teixeira. "That would also give Allan Schoenborn three years to get the treatment he needs as well."

Last year the B.C. Review Board granted the 48-year-old Schoenborn escorted day passes into the community but if designated high-risk those privileges would likely be revoked. 

"The high risk designation will prevent him from getting into the community while forcing him into treatment and will give the family some peace of mind," said Teixeira.

Schoenborn is being held at the Forensic Psychiatric Hospital in Coquitlam.

Teixeira says there have been 48 documented incidents of violence during Schoeborn's incarceration, and that information presented at previous reviews indicates he has opted out of all treatment. 

In June, Schoenborn's lawyer Rishi Gill will bring a separate charter challenge arguing that the 'high-risk accused' status is unconstitutional. A previous constitutional challenge was struck down late last year. 

The 'high-risk designation was introduced by the former federal Conservative government in 2014 under Bill C-14 amendments.