Slain man’s family granted court favour

The family of slain man Luke Davies has been granted special permission to dial into court to hear the proceedings against his alleged murderer, Beau Lamarre-Condon.

The 28-year-old allegedly used his service firearm to fatally shoot Qantas flight attendant Luke Davies and his boyfriend Channel 10 presenter Jesse Baird at a Paddington terrace on February 19.

The men’s bodies were found inside surfboard bags that had been buried in a shallow grave on a remote property near Goulburn, in the NSW Southern Tablelands, after a week-long search.

Police allege the murders occurred after a pattern of “predatory” behaviour by Mr Lamarre-Condon, who had been in a brief relationship with Mr Baird months before his death.

On Tuesday, Mr Lamarre-Condon did not appear via audiovisual in Sydney Downing Centre Court, where he was represented by his lawyer John Walford.

However, the family of Mr Davies were granted special permission to dial into the Local Court to watch the proceedings.

Magistrate Daniel Covington granted the unusual request and allowed the family to listen as he adjourned the matter until August, when the charges against Mr Lamarre-Condon will be certified.

The court heard a subpoena from his legal team had not been fulfilled.

Outside the courthouse, Mr Walford said the request pertained to “something we want to have a look at in relation to a phone call”.

“It wasn’t there today, but I’ll be pursuing it,” he said.

Mr Walford said he hasn’t yet seen all the evidence against his client, but he expects to receive the “substantial” brief of evidence later on Tuesday.

Mr Lamarre-Condon was “far from” entering a plea to the two counts of murder, his lawyer told reporters.

“This may go to a trial, it’s too early to tell,” Mr Walford said.

He reiterated his previous suggestion that Mr Lamarre-Condon’s mental health could play a part in the case.

The former senior constable has been in custody on remand since he was charged with two counts of murder after handing himself into police on February 23.

Mr Walford said his client is “doing ok” and “coping” in custody on remand” but “it’s tough for him”.

Mr Lamarre-Condon had been serving as a senior constable at the time of the alleged murders. He has since been dismissed from the NSW Force.

After his arrest, police allege he provided information to investigators that led to the discovery of Mr Baird and Mr Davies’ bodies at the rural property near Goulburn.

The 28-year-old will appear via audiovisual link when the matter returns to court on August 13.

In the meantime, his lawyer confirmed he has launched a “huge” lawsuit against the NSW Police Force for bullying and harassment.

“There’s a lot involved,” Mr Walford said.

“(He was a) young police officer in the police force for a fair while and he’s got some issues and they’ll sort them out in civil courts.”