Gold Coast City Councillor Ryan Bayldon-Lumsden, who is accused of murdering his stepfather, has had his bail hearing brought forward after being transferred to a notorious Queensland jail.
Lawyers acting for Ryan Bayldon-Lumsden moved to secure an urgent bail hearing after he was transferred from the police watch-house into the prison system.
Bayldon-Lumsden, 30, has been charged with the murder of his mother’s long-time partner, Robert Lumsden, 58, following an alleged altercation at their Arundel home last Wednesday involving a $25 bakery lunch.
Police allege in court documents that Cr Bayldon-Lumsden, whose division includes areas such as Surfers Paradise, was involved in an “abusive, coercive and controlling” relationship with his stepfather.
Queensland Police at the family home in Arundel where Robert Lumsden was allegedly killed.
Queensland Police at the family home in Arundel where Robert Lumsden was allegedly killed.
The documents further allege Mr Lumsden controlled aspects of his stepson’s finances, as well as his employment with the Gold Coast City Council.
According to the documents, the councillor told police he returned home around midday on Wednesday after visiting a local bakery to buy lunch for both himself and Mr Lumsden.
Court documents allege Cr Bayldon-Lumsden said he had been given $25 to spend and was instructed by his stepfather not to exceed that amount.
He allegedly told police he was “belittled” by Mr Lumsden in the living room for approximately two hours before attempting to leave, at which point he was followed into the kitchen.
Cr Bayldon-Lumsden further alleged his stepfather pushed him, before he pushed back, causing Mr Lumsden to fall.
The councillor told police he also fell during the struggle before placing Mr Lumsden in a choke hold, causing him to lose consciousness.
Cr Bayldon-Lumsden allegedly attempted CPR on his stepfather and contacted police, however Mr Lumsden died at the scene.
His legal team has stated he intends to plead not guilty to the murder charge.
The councillor had remained in the Southport watch-house following his arrest but was transferred to Brisbane’s Arthur Gorrie Correctional Centre on Tuesday.
His lawyers subsequently applied to the Brisbane Supreme Court for an urgent bail hearing.
Jason Murakami leaving court.
Mr Murakami told the court it was “run off its feet”, with up to 10 domestic violence-related bail applications being dealt with daily, contributing to delays in other urgent bail matters.
On Tuesday afternoon, Bayldon-Lumsden’s bail hearing, originally scheduled for September 8, was brought forward to this Thursday following representations made to the court by his legal team.
Leading criminal silk Craig Eberhardt KC has been retained as part of the bid to secure the councillor’s release on bail.
Cr Bayldon-Lumsden’s lawyers have also requested that Corrective Services place him in protective custody.