Kye Douglas Aylward granted bail on accessory after the fact to murder and concealing an indictable offence

A northern NSW dad who had been in custody over charges relating to his son’s alleged murder of a Casino teen has been released on bail.

Kye Douglas Aylward granted bail in Lismore Local Court on Wednesday. ​

A Richmond Valley father who had been in custody over charges relating to his son’s alleged murder of a Casino teen has been released on bail.

Kye Douglas Aylward, 47, from Ulmarra, appeared via audio visual link before Magistrate Annette Sinclair in Lismore Local Court on Wednesday.

Kye Aylward is charged with accessory after the fact to murder and conceal serious indictable offence which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment.

Aylward is the father of Rayne William Aylward who is charged with a 17-year-old’s stabbing murder in Casino, last year.

Co-accused Tanner Park and Rayne Aylward were both excused from appearing at their mentions on Wednesday.

Both Park and Rayne Aylward are due back in court for a case conference on Wednesday, July 26.

Left, Rayne Aylward, 19, charged with the murder of Ned Gronow, and Tanner Park, charged with conceal indictable offence in relation to the alleged murder.

The Crown successfully submitted an adjournment to have one of the charges against Kye Aylward certified.

Criminal defence lawyer James Fuggle said the court should take the six-month rule of having documents ready, seriously.

He said the prosecution was seeking the order because they are not “through with their process”.

“The nature of the charges are serious,” the Crown said, “the accused’s son is also before the court today.”

The court heard that at the time of his arrest, Aylward told police his son was at the family home the evening of the alleged offending.

“He provided a number of assertions that were false in nature that refers to them being at home that night, and could not recall anything unusual or out of the ordinary that night,” the Crown said.

The Crown said there were also around six outgoing phone calls Aylward made to his son around the time of the alleged offending, and that Aylward has no memory of phone calls to his son.

Magistrate Sinclair said it was “inappropriate we have been made to wait” and the court would make a final date for the charge certificate.

Ned Gronow has been named as the 17-year-old who died after he was allegedly stabbed in his Casino home.

Mr Fuggle then argued for the release of Aylward on bail.

He told the court there is no issue of Aylward failing to appear in court if released.

“He needs to be out to properly prepare his defence and the conditions of bail would keep him well away of witnesses and victims,” Mr Fuggle said.

He said Aylward has family responsibilities, employment, and his parents are close by.

“I’ve seen the crown case statement – the strengths of the crown case cannot be described as a strong case – it is not a strong case,” Mr Fuggle said.

The Crown argued releasing Aylward on bail was an “unacceptable risk”.

They also requested Aylward remain in custody with thought for the deceased’s family who filled the gallery.

Ms Sinclair said the fact the charges have not been certified within the six-month period was an issue, and granted strict conditional bail.

“Mr Aylward, you are not to associate with your son, no contact at all, no contact with prosecution witnesses, and other people from the Casino area,” Ms Sinclair said.

“Any breach of bail - you will be arrested.”

Aylward must reside in Iluka and report to Grafton police station three times a week.

He must not be with or contact his son Rayne Aylward or Tanner Park and he must not enter the town precinct of Casino.

Kye Aylward is due to face Lismore Local Court on June 21 for committal.

Originally published as Kye Douglas Aylward granted bail on accessory after the fact to murder and concealing an indictable offence