A controversial decision to let a man live in the community of North Battleford, Sask., has been upheld.

Layne Larose has been a patient at the Regional Psychiatric Centre and, later, the Saskatchewan Hospital.

In 2004, Larose was found to be not criminally responsible for the deaths of two people.

The two were killed with an axe, and then the house was set on fire.

Larose, who was diagnosed as having a paranoid delusional disorder, was confined, under ministerial order, to the two hospitals for treatment.

In recent years doctors determined that Larose no longer posed a threat to others and he has been slowly reintegrated into the community.

Relatives of the victims, however, have opposed his being in the community.

On Friday, a review board concluded that Larose should be able to live in the community.

"This board has had an opportunity to meet with Mr. Larose on numerous occasions and has formed the opinion that he is well motivated, understands the wrongs he committed and the reason for those wrongs," Peter Foley, a judge and the chairman of the Saskatchewan Review Board, wrote in the decision for the five-person panel.

"He is committed to his continued health," Foley added.

"Consequently, he is now ready to participate in the community and take his place as one of its productive members. He now acts responsibly and asks those who he has injured for forgiveness," Foley said.