UPDATE: Accused murderer Steven Johnson, 73, has just walked free from the Victorian Supreme Court after being granted bail this morning. Justice Rita Incerti determined that Johnson’s “special vulnerabilities” would make incarceration excessively difficult, leading to a surprising development in this high-profile case.
This decision comes nearly five months after Johnson was charged with the murder of Christopher Jarvis, 38, whose body has never been found since his disappearance in June 2006 from his home in Wangoom, near Warrnambool. Authorities believe Jarvis’s remains may be located in the nearby Framlingham Forest, an area managed by an Indigenous trust.
Emotional scenes unfolded in the courtroom as Johnson, visibly distressed and wearing a neck brace, expressed gratitude to the judge: “Thank you, Your Honour,” he said, wiping away tears. His wife presented a $500,000 surety to secure his release, and Johnson will adhere to a strict 9 PM to 6 AM curfew while under bail conditions that include a no-contact order with his alleged co-accused, Glenn Fenwick.
Fenwick, who pleaded guilty to manslaughter in exchange for a reduced sentence, claims he assisted Johnson in confronting Jarvis over unpaid rent. The prosecution’s case against Johnson largely hinges on Fenwick’s testimony, which defense attorney Patrick Doyle SC argues is fraught with inconsistencies, suggesting a jury may find it unreliable.
Justice Incerti acknowledged the prosecution’s position but emphasized that the evidence against Johnson cannot be dismissed as weak. She noted that credibility and reliability of testimony will be crucial during the upcoming committal hearing set for January 2024.
The judge also highlighted the harsh conditions Johnson faced in custody, including inadequate medical care, as a significant factor in her bail decision. She dismissed fears that Johnson posed an unacceptable risk of tampering with evidence or contacting witnesses if released.
Johnson’s release has drawn significant media attention, and as he exited the Supreme Court flanked by family, tensions flared with reporters. This developing story raises critical questions about the future of the case and the potential implications of Johnson’s freedom on the ongoing investigation into Jarvis’s disappearance.
As the situation unfolds, all eyes will be on the January hearing, where the court will delve deeper into the allegations and evidence against Johnson. Stay tuned for updates on this compelling and urgent case.
