Convicted sex offender Brian Craig Bennett, has been released from prison pending an appeal of his sentence.
53-year-old Bennett, was sentenced to two years in prison, one of which was suspended for one year. He pleaded guilty to two counts of accessing child pornography.
He had originally denied the offences, which were committed between December 2017 and March 2018.
Bennett was released on Tuesday of this week after filing an appeal against sentence.
It is unclear whether there were any restrictions or conditions attached to his bail, but it is understood he is scheduled to travel overseas during the Christmas holiday.
As word of Bennett’s release pending appeal spread through the community, questions are now being asked as to why this has been allowed.
We sought clarification from an Attorney, who in condition of anonymity explained: “A person can typically be released on bail pending appeal if their sentence is likely to be completed before the court can review the case.”
However, they added: “In cases where a defendant has been convicted on a guilty plea for a child sex offense, granting bail pending appeal is highly unusual.”
”Ordinarily, since the appeal would only be concerning the sentence and not the conviction (as the defendant admits guilt), the appeal would be handled quickly.”
“On this particular occasion, the judge saw fit to grant bail to the individual, and the prosecution is left with no right to have another court review that decision.
Stay tuned to TNN News on this developing story, as we await the outcome of the appeal.
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