Child-killer Allan Schoenborn is requesting that the B.C. Review Board postpone his annual hearing, which was expected to take place next month, until some time in the fall.
Bern Walter, chair of the board, told The Tri-City News Monday that Schoenborn, who was found not guilty of killing his three children in Merritt in 2008 by reason of mental disorder, requested the postponement through his lawyer. The review board will consider the request for the Colony Farm Forensic Psychiatric Hospital patient in the next several weeks.
"It can be extended," Walter said. "I gather he felt that he was satisfied with his current circumstances for the time being."
The Criminal Code states that a person found not guilty by reason of mental disorder must have their custodial disposition reviewed every 12 months. If the accused and the Crown consent, orders may be extended up to 24 months, Walter said.
The annual hearings are held to determine whether a patient is eligible for some form of discharge or if he or she is required to remain in custody.
Last year, the B.C. Review Board made the controversial decision to allow Schoenborn to participate in escorted outings from the Colony Farm facility.
But upon hearing that Darcie Clarke, Schoenborn's former common law wife and mother of his three children, whom he murdered, resided in the community, the board reversed its decision.
Schoenborn later withdrew his application for escorted leave from the Colony Farm facility.
"I wish no further hardships towards Darcie," he said in a statement. "Her stability is paramount. Since the last hearing of April 5, 2011, I learned of her whereabouts and her poor condition through TV coverage. I'm seeking a strict custody order for these reasons. Thank you."
The panel heard that because of the media attention around Schoenborn's previous application for passes, he received threats while in care and was assaulted.
If the review board accepts Schoenborn's application, it is likely that his next hearing will not be until late November or early December.