After spending more than 10 months in custody, Dennis Oland walked freely down the stairs of the Fredericton courthouse, supporters in tow and a throng of media to meet them, after being released on bail pending a new murder trial.
Dennis #Oland, freed on bail, walks out of the Fredericton courthouse. pic.twitter.com/69VyXeFCiF
— Laura Lyall (@LauraLyall) October 25, 2016
The decision to grant Oland bail was made by Justice JC Marc Richard one day after his murder conviction in the death of his father, Richard, was overturned and a retrial ordered. Because of the quashing of the conviction, Oland has regained the presumption of innocence which is something that Richard made note of during the bail hearing in the New Brunswick Court of Appeal.
The Crown was seeking $200,000 total in sureties from Oland’s mother and Richard’s widow Connie and his uncle and the executive chairman of Moosehead Breweries, Derek Oland — $100,000 each — however, Justice Richard didn’t see the need for that. He stated that he believed Oland would turn himself in according to law and wouldn’t be a danger to the public.
The last time Oland appeared before Justice Richard was when he was looking for bail pending the outcome of his conviction appeal which he was ultimately denied, but back then Oland was convicted murderer. Now, he’s presumed innocent.
Oland has to abide by the same conditions as the last time he was granted bail, which include surrendering his passport and to keep the peace and be of good behaviour. The surety is also the same, $50,000, from Derek Oland.
One of Oland’s defence lawyers, Alan Gold, spoke to media outside of the courthouse before Oland came down the steps of the courthouse.
‘Obviously we’re delighted’: #Oland defence lawyer Alan Gold speaks to media after bail decision. pic.twitter.com/pQtJapFyTR
— Laura Lyall (@LauraLyall) October 25, 2016
We live-tweeted the bail hearing and you can check out those tweets here:
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