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Farnworth said that this kind of pretrial release for murder suspects is rare.

“That’s why we were very surprised, and that’s also why Crown is looking at how to appeal the release, as well as the bail conditions,” he said.

According to figures from the ministry of attorney general, during the 2016-2017 fiscal year, 40 people were charged with first- or second-degree murder in B.C. Five of them were released on bail.

Another case in which a murder suspect was granted bail is that of Dustin Blue Robert Moir, who was charged with first-degree murder in the 2005 death of 14-year-old Chelsy Acorn.

Moir was on bail, with his mother acting as surety, while he awaited both his first and second trials.

In the first instance, he was released on $200,000 bail. He was taken into custody after his conviction and was in prison for more than three years. Moir appealed and was once again released on a $200,000 bail to await his second trial. He was jailed less than a year later after being accused of breaching his conditions.

Moir was convicted of first-degree murder in March 2017.

Steven Bishop would like to see the laws changed, so those charged with murder cannot receive bail. He said Giesbrecht will be able to spend Christmas with his family, but his brother won’t see his family again.

He described Bishop as a gentle, helpful person who loved the outdoors and fast cars. Bishop leaves behind his mother, brother, two children and a grandchild.

“He was a wonderful guy, he had a loving family. They’re devastated by this, as we all are,” said Steven Bishop, adding that his 78-year-old mom is particularly affected. “She’s taking this very hard and she’s had health issues from it. She sounds demoralized. Everyone’s mad and sad and outraged.”

jensaltman@postmedia.com

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Clarification: The story previously wrongly mentioned B.C. Provincial Court instead of the B.C. Supreme Court.