Gold Coast councillor Ryan Bayldon-Lumsden fitted with GPS tracker after bail release

Gold Coast councillor and accused stepdad killer Ryan Bayldon-Lumsden has been fitted with a GPS tracker after being released on bail from prison. Watch his first police check in.

• Threats: Stepdad’s anger over romance
• Death by Google: Will you go to jail?

Gold Coast councillor and accused stepdad killer Ryan Bayldon-Lumsden has had his first police station check in after being fitted with a GPS ankle monitor following release on bail overnight.

Baylden Lumsden emerged on Friday afternoon in a white shirt and suit pants, appearing pale, baggey eyed and noticeabley a few kilos lighter following his eight-day stint in prison.

The councillor remained straight faced and tight lipped repeating “I’m sorry, I can’t comment” as he faced a number of questions from the waiting media pack outside the police station. He must check in with police three times a week.

His appearance was brief, lasting only a few minutes before the 30-year-old emerged carrying his bail paperwork, before quickly heading to a waiting car.

Cr Bayldon-Lumsden was charged with murdering his allegedly abusive and controlling stepfather Robert Lumsden, 58, at their Arundel home last week.

Police have alleged Mr Lumsden died from strangulation after being put in a “choker hold” by his stepson during an altercation over a $25 bakery lunch.

A Supreme Court bail hearing on Thursday was that the alleged murder took place against the backdrop of “appalling” domestic violence at the hands of Mr Lumsden.

Defence barrister Craig Eberhardt KC told the court that a sobbing Bayldon-Lumsden had told police how he had been “controlled, manipulated, dominated, abused and threatened for years” by Mr Lumsden who had also “repeatedly threatened to kill him if he didn’t do what he was told”.

Gold Coast City Councillor Ryan Bayldon-Lumsden (pictured right) leaves Brisbane Correctional Facility. Picture: David Clark

The court heard that Cr-Bayldon-Lumsden had trained in martial arts for 10 years and that he had allegedly made a series of Google searches about manslaughter and self-defence two days before the killing, including: “If you kill someone in self-defence, will you go to jail?”

Cr Bayldon-Lumsden was granted bail after his mother Katrina – the Southport State High deputy principal who also gave evidence of her dead partner’s “irrational controlling behaviour” – agreed to put up a $250,000 surety against the Arundel home where the alleged murder took place.

Ryan Bayldon-Lumsden being released from prison after being granted bail on Thursday. Picture: David Clark

The bail conditions also required Cr Bayldon-Lumsden to wear a GPS tracker and he was fitted with an ankle bracelet before being allowed to leave Brisbane Correctional Centre late Thursday afternoon.

Under the bail order, he also has to move out of the family home and live with his girlfriend, former Cirque du Soleil performer Bianca Ruyssenaersm, at her Burleigh Heads home. He also has to report to police three times a week and has surrendered his passport.

Speaking on Friday, Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate has said he planned to meet with Cr-Bayldon-Lumsden early next week to discuss his future.

“I intend to give him space for the (Gold Coast Show holiday) long weekend and we’ll catch up Monday (or) Tuesday,” he said.

Ryan Bayldon-Lumsden has been charged with murdering his stepfather Robert Lumsden. Picture: Supplied.

“My first response is really how do I support his mental health and find out what does he want to do? Here’s the thing – you’re innocent until proven guilty and he’s a wonderful guy, as you know.

“We’re all waiting to see what Ryan wants to do first and then everything else will fall into place.”

Cr Tate has also written to Local Government Minister and Acting Premier Steven Miles to seek advice on what should happen with a councillor facing the most serious criminal charge.

Mayor Tate has said that if Cr Bayldon-Lumsden opts to remain a councillor, he might be able to attend council meetings online to relieve pressure during what is certain to be protracted court proceedings.

His legal team has said he intends to plead not guilty to the murder charge.