Free after 20 months on remand

A MAN who was at the Gold Coast unit with Bronson “Lizard Man” Ellery when he killed his former partner Shelsea Schilling has been granted bail.

Former World’s Strictest Parents contestant Christopher Paul Lowden has been in custody for 20 months in relation to allegations he was involved in a home invasion and scores of other charges.

Last week the accusations Lowden committed a violent home invasion with Ellery in Highland Park days before his death were dropped.

But it emerged the former reality TV contestant was in the Southport unit when the murder-suicide unfolded in November 2016.

Police prosecutor Ricky Tsoi did not oppose granting Lowden bail yesterday.

He said Lowden was unlikely to receive more than 20 months imprisonment on the pending charges which include multiple fraud counts, stealing and unlawful use of a motor vehicle.

Defence lawyer Danielle Heable, of Dib & Associates, indicated Lowden would plead guilty to all the charges.

“Mr Lowden is relieved to be on bail after a lengthy period in custody,” she said.

Lowden is planning to start work as an electrician with his father’s company.