Family of killer ‘knew bail terms’
Chand’s lawyer says mum fully aware of conditions
The lawyer for Christie Marceau’s killer says his mother was “fully” aware of his bail conditions and has rebutted the evidence she gave at the inquest into the teen’s death.
Mary-Anne Lowe said she never would have suggested to the court that Akshay Chand could be released on bail under 24/7 monitoring by his mother and aunt had the women not assured her it was possible.
Earlier this week Chand’s mother Suchita and sister Shayal told the inquest that they were not consulted before he was granted bail to their home, nor did they understand the court’s expectation that he would be supervised at all times.
Chand’s aunt Amita Williams gave similar evidence.
Under cross examination Suchita Chand conceded that she did tell her son’s lawyer she could “keep an eye on” him, but she did not know that meant she needed to supervise him 24/7.
At the inquest yesterday Lowe firmly rejected the women’s evidence, saying the family were at “a number of” bail hearings and “confirmed” to her that they could meet his bail conditions.
She was adamant that she explained the situation to them fully, and that they understood.
“I would speak to them before [each] hearing and after the hearing,” Lowe said.
“I discussed it with the mother and the aunt about whether they wished him to come home, and was there adequate supervision and support for him if he was to come home.”
Lowe said Chand’s mother and aunt promised that the youth would not be left alone if he was bailed.
“I don’t propose bail conditions unless I am assured they can be met,” Lowe said.
“If that [supervision] was not possible, I would not have suggested that as a bail condition.”
Chand kidnapped, threatened and assaulted Christie, 18, in September 2011.
He was charged and remanded in custody after his initial court appearance.
However, on October 5, 2011 he was granted bail.
Judge David McNaughton ordered him to abide by a strict 24-hour curfew and not leave his home unless he was attending medical or legal appointments, and only then if he was accompanied by his mother or aunt.
He was also ordered not to have any contact with Christie.
On November 7, 2011 he ignored all of those conditions, went to the Marceau home and stabbed Christie to death.
Lowe said Chand’s mother and aunt were in court when he was granted bail.
“I had spoken to them both before that hearing and was able to obtain from them assurances that their respective work commitments meant that Mr Chand would always be in the company of one or other of them at the home address if he was granted bail ... if he had a 24-hour curfew.
“They again confirmed the family was able to meet that bail condition and that they were there to take him home that day if he was granted bail.”
Lowe conceded that when Chand was bailed, the physical supervision of the offender by his family was not formalised in his conditions.
But it was discussed in court and she believed it was part of his bail arrangement.