Magistrate Abigail Beeton said Panayiotou (pictured above at Jayde’s funeral) failed to show exceptional circumstances to be allowed bail. He was ordered to remain at the St. Albans prison until his trial date but expectations are that he will appeal the decision. This needs to be confirmed by his legal team but Beeton said she is already anticipating this.
She said she would provide reasons for her decision on June 12. One of the greatest concerns from the State’s point of view is that he would influence other witnesses should he be released on bail. He has already tried to influence the movements of a possible state witness before his arrest as can be heard on a secret police tape recording (read this report). Another witness will be his alleged lover Chanelle Coutts, who will also testify against him.
Jayde disappeared on April 21 from outside her home waiting for a lift. Her body was later found in a township. Her husband was arrested on April 29 after a police sting operation. He faces charges of conspiracy to commit murder, murder‚ kidnapping, robbery with aggravating circumstances and defeating the ends of justice.
One co-accused has turned State witness and may get immunity. Earlier State Prosecutor Marius Stander confirmed that Coutts, believed to have been having an extra-marital affair with Panayiotou over the past three years, will be called as a State witness.
