Shore’s case to be heard in mental health court

Thornhill councillor is accused of stealing a cellphone from a gym

After he was accused of stealing a cellphone from a Thornhill gym, Ward 2 councillor Howard Shore will have his case transferred to a special mental health court. Late last year, Shore revealed his struggle with depression was behind the “embarrassing incidents.”

Although it is uncertain whether the transfer to a community treatment court will affect the charges against his client, Shore’s lawyer, Edward Prutschi, said that the Crown’s acknowledgement is a good step forward.

Shore allegedly stole an iPhone from the Thornhill Community Centre gym last year. Shortly afterwards, a local newspaper published Shore’s past crimes, including stalking a female lawyer and stealing a cellphone in Florida where he spent 11 days in jail. Those charges have been dropped.

In a statement on his website, Shore says, “I appreciate the tremendous opportunity that has been given to me by the Crown.… Irrespective of any issues of depression, I take full responsibility for my actions.”

Prutschi said Shore is undergoing treatment with his own mental health professionals and will be providing the social workers at the community treatment court with regular updates over the coming weeks.

Shore is due in court again on April 30.

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