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Paralyzed Victim Finds Relief as Attacker Declared Dangerous Offender
18 Jul
Summary
- Woman shot and paralyzed by ex-partner feels relief after designation.
- Attacker has 61 criminal convictions, including violent offences.
- Designation means indeterminate sentence, parole only if risk is gone.
A St. Thomas woman feels an overwhelming sense of relief following the dangerous offender designation of her former partner, who is responsible for her permanent paralysis. This designation, the most severe under Canadian law, typically results in an indeterminate prison sentence, with release contingent on the Parole Board of Canada deeming the offender no longer a public safety risk.
James Alexander Brown, 43, has amassed 61 criminal convictions over two decades, encompassing violent and property crimes. He shot the victim, Paige Havell, then 24, at their St. Thomas home on May 16, 2023, causing her paralysis and severe injuries to her left arm and hand. Brown also killed her dog in the incident.
Since the 2023 shooting, Havell has navigated extensive court proceedings while adapting to life with permanent injuries, now requiring a wheelchair and residing in a long-term care facility in London. She views the dangerous offender designation as a significant step toward healing, allowing her to refocus energy on rebuilding her life.
St. Thomas Police Chief Marc Roskamp stated the designation is a crucial outcome for community safety and the victim, highlighting Brown's persistent pattern of violence. He emphasized that the ruling reinforces accountability for serious violent offenses and prioritizes community and victim safety.
