Suspect in killing of boy, 15, makes first court appearance

Lawyers for a Calgary man charged with murder in connection with the hit-and-run death of a city teen are awaiting disclosure before determining if they’ll seek bail.

Defence counsel Lisa Burgis Der attended a hearing via teleconference in provincial court Thursday, held for Udham Sandhu’s first “appearance” before a judge.

Sandhu’s attendance was by telephone as well.

Burgis Der told Judge Jim Ogle that she and co-counsel Balfour Der are awaiting disclosure from Crown prosecutor Ken Mccaffrey, who is assigned to handle the case.

Outside court, she told Postmedia that until she and Der can review the evidence the prosecution intends to call, they won’t be able to schedule a bail hearing before a Court of Queen’s Bench judge.

Burgis Der added the difficulty of setting up such an application in light of COVID -19-related concerns could also impact how soon they’ll be able to seek Sandu’s release pending trial.

“It’s going to require some time to review the disclosure and have a conversation with the Crown prosecutor to decide how we would proceed on the bail hearing, particularly in light of COVID-19,” she said.

Sandu, 37, was charged May 29 with second-degree murder and dangerous driving causing death after Ibaad Yar, 15, was ejected from a speeding Dodge Journey struck from behind by a Buick Allure.