Hamilton Man’s Appeal Denied in Rape Case

Warning: This story contains descriptions of sexual assault and graphic violence

Adriel Cyrus, shown in this Facebook photo, is a rapist and classified as a dangerous offender.

Spectator file photo/Facebook

A Hamilton man designated as a dangerous offender has had his conviction confirmed by the Court of Appeal for Ontario.

Adriel Cyrus, 40, will continue to serve an “indeterminate” sentence due to being deemed too dangerous for release. Recently, he raped two women in the same hidden stairwell of a busy downtown underground parking garage, knowing their cellphones wouldn’t work there.

His history of violent behavior stretches back decades and includes assaults on nurses both in prison and within psychiatric units.

Pull Quote

 “It doesn’t matter. I’m going to get it anyway.

The designation of dangerous offender under the Criminal Code applies to violent criminals who present a significant ongoing risk to society and whom the court believes cannot be rehabilitated.

This classification results in no fixed sentence for them and their status is reviewed periodically. While it doesn’t guarantee they will remain incarcerated for life, that possibility is quite strong.

Dangerous offender Paul Bernardo.

Jack Chiang

Paul Bernardo – who raped and killed Leslie Mahaffy, 14, from Burlington, Kristen French, 15, from St. Catharines, and Tammy Homolka, 15, also from St. Catharines – serves as a prominent example.

In June 2016, Cyrus encountered a woman at Jackson Square.

(The names of his victims are protected by standard publication restrictions.)

This woman was struggling with heroin addiction and asked Cyrus if he had any available for sale.

He said he had some in his car located in the large public underground parking structure across King Street at Summers Lane. This area is commonly used by visitors heading to the Art Gallery of Hamilton or First Ontario Concert Hall.

The two walked toward the garage together while sharing a marijuana joint that Cyrus provided along the way.

Cyrus directed her into a stairwell before requesting sex. When she declined and tried to leave through the door, he responded: “It doesn’t matter. I’m going to get it anyway.”

Cyrus then forced himself on her and raped her before pulling up his pants and exiting through the garage door.

The Summers Lane parking garage stairwell where Adriel Cyrus assaulted two women.Gary Yokoyama/Spectator file photo

Two months later , another woman met Cyrus while waiting for a bus. He asked her for a cigarette. They talked about sports , after which she agreed to share another joint with him inside the parking garage’s stairwell.

Afterward , Cyrus groped her breast. She pushed him away , saying “ No. ”

Cyrus then pinned her down , rolled on top of her , tore off her clothes , and raped her for twenty minutes.

Once it was over , he mentioned having recently been released from jail (although he was actually on probation stemming from an earlier sexual interference conviction). He was also facing charges related to breaching court orders by failing to attend required sexual deviance counseling sessions.

She got dressed quickly and left; however , once outside , Cyrus caught up with her again – grabbing her buttocks and attempting to kiss her while threatening that if she reported what happened he’d kill her.

At this time during his second attack , Cyrus was undergoing treatment for schizophrenia – diagnosed since age sixteen.

He received medication injections just hours prior to committing rape.

A forensic psychiatrist testified that it wasn’t his illness but rather his desire for sexual gratification combined with violence that motivated these assaults.

Cyrus pleaded not guilty on two counts of sexual assault along with one count of making threats against another’s life; however HIS DNA was linked directly TO both victims’ cases. He maintained that intercourse had been consensual.

The trial judge Tony Leitch found him guilty across all counts. In January 2022 , Justice Leitch labeled him as a dangerous offender citing evidence suggesting both high risks regarding future offenses due largely attributed TO schizophrenia along with antisocial personality disorder coupled WITH cannabis dependence issues indicating low likelihood OF successful rehabilitation efforts overall according TO Judge’s ruling stating : ” The offender has A substantial criminal record FOR VIOLENCE AND SEXUAL crimes.”

Cyrus spent nearly seventeen years behind bars or under community supervision within past twenty years overall ; previous convictions include sexually assaulting fifteen-year-old girls alongside other incidents such involving female staff members both working within correctional facilities AS well psychiatric hospitals associated WITH healthcare organizations affiliated IN region where these offenses occurred around Greater Toronto Area including Hamilton etc., giving rise To concerns regarding public safety moving forward especially given nature surrounding aforementioned behaviors exhibited BY THIS INDIVIDUAL despite acknowledgment OF mental health issues typically prevalent AMONG offenders per similar classifications established legally THROUGH Canadian Judicial System procedures followed nationally today when reviewing SUCH cases involving this complexity level shown consistently observed throughout tenure spent locked-up versus living free amongst fellow citizens still coming into contact regularly thereafter concerning everyday interactions seen everywhere near places such parks/ public transport systems frequented often historically speaking regarding humans needing spaces where they feel safe overall wherever possible respective situations arose like those shared here today etc., henceforth …

The hearing heard how during proceedings leading TO Dangerous Offender designation process revealed previously unknown beliefs held adamantly espousing notions surrounding divine intervention curing religious adherents altogether suggested rather peculiar understanding about being “saved”. At one point IN time referring himself online utilizing pseudonym “Adriel X” allegedly implying connection towards Nation Of Islam following certain tenets practiced among groups advocating change societal norms continuously striving enlightenment accordingly expressed therein publicly released statements reflecting upon personal growth achieved thus far noted within profile details made publicly available showcasing transformation path undertaken collectively sought improvement initiated pre-sentencing phase approaching system implementation aimed addressing underlying motivations driving such heinous acts committed eventually culminating charges faced repeatedly throughout entire duration already indicated explicitly before penal adjudication commenced specifically targeting malfeasance witnessed evolving patterns whereby re-offending likelihood remained unaddressed properly whatsoever resulting sad outcomes ultimately affecting many individuals adversely impacting lives detrimentally forcing increased scrutiny placed ON judicial approaches traditionally relied upon relying solely based ON offenders’ self-reported narratives devoid VALID empirical validation analysis conducted post-factum assessments now emerging actively clarifying misconceptions long-held erroneously perceived misconstrued perceptions misguidedly propagated alongside prevailing assumptions sustained over extended period preceding current climate currently scrutinized heavily exposing gaps existing gaps affecting efficacy evaluating risk profiles generated; therefore requiring updating standards adhered fundamentally guiding reviews conducted moving forward given contextually necessary reforms required ensuring community safety remains prioritized whilst allowing room rectifying misjudged perspectives accompanied consistently felt struggles encountered routinely navigating complicated landscapes populated frequently filled uncertainty constantly experienced daily LIFE scenarios generating heightened awareness surrounding vulnerabilities presented confronting various types challenges faced uniquely challenging realities lived daily whether belonging category afflicted individuals unable advocate appropriately BEFORE authorities granting access essential supports desperately needed peace restoration aftermath troubling encounters endured previously without sufficient remediation attained adequately resolving outstanding issues addressed timely manner ensuring everyone enjoys security conducive setting avoiding further tragedies arise preventing future occurrences minimize dangers posed legitimately potential persistent threats looming perpetually unless checked effectively proactively intervened through appropriate channels facilitating dialogue necessary establish understanding grounded social responsibility displayed among all parties involved each case examined holistically responding needs addressed promptly…

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