A man with a lengthy criminal history and who was sentenced in May to just over three years in prison, is being released from custody pending the resolution of an appeal he has filed before the court.

The man was convicted in May of 2024 on charges including sexual interference, sexual exploitation, and uttering threats dating to a period between 2006 and 2008. Due to ongoing medical issues and the arrangement of medical clearances, he was not sentenced until May of this year.

The Court of Appeal has granted release of the 62-year-old pending appeal, satisfied that his detention is “not necessary in the public interest.” That’s despite the fact that his criminal history, all of which involves violence against females including sexual assault and assault causing bodily harm, dates back decades.

The man, whose name is under a publication ban, has appealed his recent conviction, arguing that his former counsel consented to the admission of inadmissible evidence.

The Court of Appeal acknowledged that while the man’s criminal history and offences now under appeal are serious, his “recent good conduct of well over five years, his ties to the community, his current state of health and his plan for release” satisfy the court that he meets the criteria for release pending appeal.)