Joshua Boyle faces more charges; to undergo psychiatric assessment

By News staff and The Canadian Press

Former Canadian hostage Joshua Boyle, who was arrested on 15 charges including assault and sexual assault, is facing four new charges — bringing the total to 19.

Boyle, who was arrested last month, was initially charged with 15 offences that included eight counts of assault, two of sexual assault, two of unlawful confinement, and one of causing someone to take a noxious substance.

Boyle appeared in court on Friday, and according to the court docket, the additional charges include one new charge of assault with a weapon, a new charge of criminal harassment, an added assault charge and an added charge of forcible confinement.

Boyle will also undergo a comprehensive psychiatric assessment. On Friday, his lawyer Lawrence Greenspon told the court an initial evaluation found his client fit to stand trial, but added he would benefit from a fuller assessment at a mental health centre.

Boyle’s next court appearance is scheduled for March 26. He will be sent to a mental health centre in Brockville, Ont., during that time.

The initial charges against the 34-year-old relate to two alleged victims, but a court order prohibits the publication of any details that might identify them or witnesses.

The purported acts allegedly occurred between Oct. 14 and Dec. 30 after Boyle returned to Canada. The charges have not been proven in court.

Boyle and his American wife, Caitlan Coleman, were taken hostage in 2012 by a Taliban-linked group while on a backpacking trip in Afghanistan. The couple, and the three children they had during their five years in captivity, were freed by Pakistani forces last October.


Related stories:

Ex-hostage Joshua Boyle charged with sex assault, assault, forcible confinement: lawyer

Maclean’s: What really happened to Joshua Boyle and his family


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