Mearow released

Eric Mearow walked out of the Sault Ste. Marie courthouse today a free man — the second of the three men convicted of manslaughter in the 2011 death of Wesley Hallam to be released from custody after doing their time.

He was released on bail pending his return to court Monday for a hearing on a Crown application to place him a Section 810 peace bond to restrict his freedom.

Mearow was placed on a number of bail conditions Friday, including reporting his residence, a curfew, no communication with a number of people and no weapons.

Sandra Hallam, the victim's mother, said she wasn't aware Mearow's release was going to take place this morning and only just made it to the courtroom to witness the proceedings.

"I had no idea this was going on today," said Hallam, when reached by phone.

At an earlier appearance in court this week, Mearow indicated he didn't want a bail hearing and was going to go directly to the peace bond hearing.

He was remanded in custody and was to return to court Dec.5 by video to set that date.

At that time, the Crown indicated it is seeking the peace bond because of witnesses' fears, his criminal antecedents and behaviour while behind bars.

"It is to ensure the safety of the victim's family and witnesses and to protect the public at large," assistant Crown attorney David Kirk said.

Hallam, 27, was killed at a house party at a Wellington Street East residence in January 2011.

His dismembered remains were dumped in a Landslide Road creek.

Mearow, Ron Mitchell and Dylan Jocko were charged with first-degree murder in his grisly death.

They later pleaded guilty in July 2016 to manslaughter.

Mitchell was released from custody in October and was placed on a peace bond.

— with files from Michael Purvis

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