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A St. Thomas woman says she feels an overwhelming sense of relief after her former partner, who shot and permanently paralyzed her in 2023, was designated a dangerous offender in a St. Thomas court on Friday.
The designation is the most serious available under Canada’s dangerous offender provisions and often results in an indeterminate sentence. Any future release would only be possible if the Parole Board of Canada determines the offender no longer poses an undue risk to public safety.
James Alexander Brown, 43, has 61 criminal convictions dating back more than two decades, including violent and property offences.
Paige Havell was 24 when Brown shot her at the couple’s St. Thomas home on May 16, 2023, leaving her permanently paralyzed and with lasting injuries to her left arm and hand. Brown also shot and killed her dog.
“This crime changed every part of my life,” said Havell.
“I lost my independence, my home, my previous way of life and the future I thought I would have. I have had to learn how to live in a completely different body while dealing with pain, trauma, grief and the emotional weight of everything that happened.”
Brown was originally charged with attempted murder, but a jury convicted him in 2024 of the lesser offence of discharging a firearm with intent to wound, as well as possession of a loaded restricted firearm. He was acquitted of a charge related to killing Havell’s dog.
“I feel an overwhelming sense of relief,” Havell said of Friday’s decision.
“For three years, I have lived with uncertainty and the fear that someone with a long history of violence could eventually be released and hurt someone else.”
Designation necessary, says police chief
St. Thomas police Chief Marc Roskamp called the designation “a significant outcome for community safety and for the victim who has endured the devastating impact of his violent criminal behaviour.”
“Mr. Brown has demonstrated, over the course of much of his life, a persistent pattern of violence and criminal conduct. His repeated offending, culminating in his most recent egregious convictions, clearly established the need for this designation,” Roskamp said in a statement.
St Thomas Police Chief Marc Roskamp welcomed the court’s decision deeming James Alexander Brown, 43, a dangerous offender. In a statement, he says Brown has demonstrated a “persistent pattern of violence and criminal conduct” throughout his life. (Isha Bhargava/CBC News)
Roskamp said Brown poses an ongoing and unacceptable risk to public safety and the designation provides the strongest protection available to the community
“Today’s decision reinforces the fundamental principle that individuals who repeatedly commit serious violent offences must be held accountable for their actions and that the principle of community and victim safety remains paramount.”
Roskamp said his thoughts are with Havell and her family, who’ve suffered life-altering consequences because of Brown’s actions.
Court decision ‘a step toward healing’ says victim
Since the shooting, Havell has spent more than three years attending court proceedings while adapting to life with permanent injuries.
Havell, who is from St. Thomas, now lives in a long-term care facility in London because of the injuries she suffered in the shooting. She uses a wheelchair as a result of the attack.
“For a long time, much of my life has revolved around court dates, delays and waiting for justice,” she said.
“Now that the case is finally over, I can begin putting more of my energy into rebuilding my life instead of constantly preparing for the next court appearance.
“It finally gives me a sense of safety and accountability. It is not closure, because I will live with the consequences forever, but it is an important step toward healing.”
Havell said she has struggled to find employment and accessible housing because she relies on the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP).
Despite those challenges, she said she is focused on her mental health, her physical recovery and finding ways to regain some independence.
She also hopes the case encourages governments and the justice system to place greater emphasis on protecting survivors of violent crime.
“I hope this decision reminds other victims that their voices matter, even when the justice process is exhausting and takes years,” Havell said.
“Victims should not have to fight so hard to feel heard or protected.”
