Dennis Oland has been denied bail pending the outcome of the appeal of his second-degree murder conviction in the 2011 death of his father, high-profile businessman Richard Oland.
The New Brunswick Court of Appeal confirming the decision to deny the 48-year-old Oland bail made earlier this year. The written decision coming about one month after a review was held on the bail denial in Fredericton.
Chief Justice of New Brunswick Ernest Drapeau says Oland has failed to make the case for reversal of the decision.
“Indeed, a careful assessment of the record at our disposal and the cumulative weight of the reasons given to deny bail confirm the absence of any principled basis for interference by the Court,” writes Drapeau, “In my view, the decision to deny bail is neither unreasonable nor the product of any material error of fact, law, or mixed fact and law.”
In February Justice JC Marc Richard denied Oland bail saying that if he was released the public’s confidence in the justice system would be undermined.
Dennis Oland’s wife Lisa and his mother Connie have released a joint statement on the decision. They say while they are “extremely disappointed” they will pursue every option to prove Dennis’s innocence.
“Specifically, we will be devoting our efforts towards the success of the appeal of Dennis’s conviction…” the joint statement reads. “We know Dennis has been wrongly convicted and will not rest until he is home and Dick’s killer is found.”
Oland’s appeal of his conviction has been scheduled for October 18 with a week set aside. He has been sentenced to life in prison without the chance of parole for at least 10 years.
Richard Oland’s bludgeoned body was found face down in a pool of blood on July 7, 2011. There were 45 separate blunt and sharp force blows to his head, hands and neck.
This is the decision:
(Photo: Fredericton Blogger)
