SCOC to release ruling on Oland’s bid for bail while appealing murder conviction

OTTAWA – The Supreme Court of Canada is expected to release a decision Thursday whether to hear arguments that Dennis Oland should be released from prison while appealing his murder conviction.

Oland’s lawyers asked for an expedited decision on his bail application after he was convicted of second-degree murder in the death of his father, businessman Richard Oland.

They have argued that the New Brunswick courts applied “high standards” that are out of step with similar cases elsewhere in Canada and they want the high court to reconsider the matter in a more timely fashion.

The former investment adviser was handed a life sentence earlier this year after his father was found dead in his Saint John office in July 2011.

The younger Oland is appealing his murder conviction and asked the New Brunswick courts to grant him bail while the appeal is being prepared, but his request was rejected.

The appeal is scheduled to begin Oct. 18.