Man, 27, accused in death of toddler son granted bail

After nearly a year and a half in custody, a man accused in the death of his toddler son has been granted bail.

Court of Queen’s Bench Justice Brian Burrows granted Joey Stanley Crier’s bail application Wednesday afternoon. A publication ban prevents reporting on evidence heard during the hearing, as well as Burrow ’s reasons for granting bail.

Crier, 27, was charged last year in the death of his 19-month-old son Anthony Raine, whose bruised body was discovered outside Edmonton’s Good Shepherd Anglican Church on April 21, 2017. Investigators said the baby’s cause of death was head trauma.

Crier and his girlfriend, Tasha Mack, were arrested in Anthony’s death a short time later and charged with five offences including second-degree murder and criminal negligence causing death.

Crier has been in custody since his arrest. He applied for bail in August. Mack was released on bail June 29 on her second application.

Crier is to live with family during his release.

Crown prosecutor Mark Van Manen requested that in addition to a number of curfews and other conditions, Crier be required to check in with a bail supervisor and surrender any passports or travel documents.

Defence lawyer Amanda Hart-Dowhun expected her client would be happy to be released after nearly 19 months in jail.

Crier’s trial is set for next June.