Killer’s family unable to monitor his bail

The mother of killer Akshay Chand has denied she made any assurances he would be supervised if bailed to her address.

Chand stabbed Christie Marceau multiple times in her home on Auckland’s North Shore in November, 2011.

She died in her mother’s arms moments later.

Chand had previously been arrested for kidnapping the teenager, but was later bailed back to his home address by Judge David McNaughton.

He killed Marceau, who lived within eyesight of his home, 33 days after being released.

His mother and sister gave evidence yesterdayat the inquest into Marceau’s death.

Both told the court they were given little information about Chand’s bail conditions, or what to do if he absconded.

Suchita Chand denied she told her son’s lawyer he would always be supervised if bailed to her address, by either herself, her sister Amita Williams or her daughter.

That is despite court transcripts which show Chand’s lawyer telling the court at a bail hearing that the family were able to supervise Chand if he was bailed.

‘‘At the court, after bail was granted to Akshay, his lawyer Ms Lowe spoke to me and to Amita,’’ Suchita Chand said.

‘‘She explained that Akshay would have to live in my home while on bail and that he would have to be there 24/7.

‘‘She said I would have to keep an eye on him or watch him, or words to that effect. I told Ms Lowe that I work in the mornings and will only afternoons.

‘‘...I am sure that we were not told that an adult had to be at home supervising Akshay at all times.’’

McNaughton bailed Chand with a strict 24-hour curfew, which included being unable to leave his home unless supervised by his mother or aunt.

Under cross-examination, Chand was asked why she did not make it clear someone would not be able to supervise her son while he was at home.

Chand replied she did not remember it being raised in court.

Chand also said she was not given any advice about what to do be at home in the if she needed help while her son was bailed at her address.

‘‘Neither the court nor the police provided me with any information about the bail conditions, or what was expected of me while Akshay was at home on bail.

‘‘I was not provided with any contact number so that in the event that I had any concern I could call someone for advice or help.’’

Shayal Chand told the court she was not asked to accept any responsibility for supervising her brother, or made aware of his bail conditions..

The inquest is due to finish at the end of this week.