Vermont South man who killed parents to stay at Thomas Embling Hospital

A man who stabbed his parents to death in their Vermont South home in 2011 has been ordered to stay in the custody of a mental hospital. But he has been allowed to have unescorted visits into the community to do shopping and tai chi.

The man has been ordered to stay at Thomas Embling for another three years.

A Vermont South man, who killed his parents while suffering schizophrenic delusions, will not be released from a high-security mental hospital even though he has been allowed to leave the centre unescorted to go shopping and do tai chi.

Justice Mark Weinberg ruled the man, who was found not guilty of the 2011 deaths of his parents by reason of mental impairment, must stay within the custody of Thomas Embling for at least another three years, when he reviewed the case in the Supreme Court this week.

Judge Weinberg noted the man’s schizophrenic condition had improved since his situation was last evaluated in August 2016, but said his own safety and the safety of the public would be “seriously endangered” if he was released from the hospital’s care at this time.

The man is being kept at Thomas Embling Hospital, Fairfield.

The review came after the same judge ordered in August 2013 the man be placed on a 25-year Custodial Supervision Order for stabbing his parents to death in their Vermont South home on December 16, 2011.

The man was 32 at the time of their deaths, and told the court a year later he did not believe they were dead.

The court heard the man continued “to suffer from many of his longstanding delusional beliefs”, “impaired cognitive functioning, limited insight, and poor social skills”.

“The reviewee is still suffering from a form of schizophrenia which is substantially treatment resistant,” Judge Weinberg said.

The Thomas Embling Psychiatric Hospital in Fairfield in 2001.

But a report from the man’s psychiatrist states his condition is improving.

“He is better able to accept that his beliefs arise from a mental illness, and he is exhibiting greater trust in staff who are responsible for his welfare,” the court heard.

The court heard due to his “gradual progress”, he was allowed unescorted visits into the community in November 2017, which he used “responsibly” to do shopping, photography, attend libraries and do tai chi.

He continues to participate in regular gardening and horticulture activities and has completed TAFE courses in hospitality and business.

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On July 24 the man was moved from a subacute unit to a rehabilitation unit, marking a significant step towards his “eventual successful community reintegration,’’ according to his psychiatrist.

The man was said to only have an aunt in Queensland personally supporting him.

“Despite this, his record at Thomas Embling, and in the community on unescorted leaves is said to be ‘unblemished’,” the judge said.

“He gets along well with staff and fellow patients. He is said to be honest and trustworthy.”

The court heard his risk of reoffending was “only moderate”, but would increase if he were to live in the community.