KEY POINTS:
The family of a tetraplegic man is angry his alleged murderer has been bailed pending a new trial.
Eric Neil Smail was in September 2006 given a life sentence, with a non-parole period of 13 years, for the murder of Keith McCormick, dubbed the "unofficial mayor" of Sumner for his enthusiastic fundraising efforts.
Smail was last week freed on bail following a Court of Appeal decision which set aside his murder conviction, The Press reported.
He faces a fresh trial, expected to be in December this year. Smail was represented by high-profile lawyer Judith Ablett-Kerr.
Mr McCormick's mother, Dot, said she was in shock over Smail's release.
It is alleged that in 2005, Smail stabbed and slit the throat of his flatmate, McCormick, whom he regularly cared for Smail then turned himself into police.
- NZPA
