A former member of the Kelowna Hells Angels, who was convicted of killing a man with a baseball bat, has been released from custody once again.
According to court documents, 41-year-old Damiano Dipopolo was granted bail on Monday after serving just over half of his six-year sentence for manslaughter.
Dipopolo was originally arrested in 2015 for the death of Dain Phillips, who was found unconscious and bleeding from a head wound in a Kelowna alleyway. Phillips later died in hospital.
During his trial, Dipopolo claimed self-defense, stating that Phillips had attacked him first. However, the jury found him guilty of manslaughter and he was sentenced to six years in prison.
This is not the first time Dipopolo has been released from custody. In 2019, he was granted bail pending an appeal of his conviction. However, that appeal was later dismissed and he was sent back to prison to serve the remainder of his sentence.
Now, just two years later, Dipopolo has once again been granted bail, this time while he awaits a hearing for a new trial. His lawyer argued that there is new evidence that could potentially change the outcome of the case.
The decision to release Dipopolo on bail has sparked controversy and outrage from the victim’s family and the community. Many are questioning why a convicted killer is being allowed to walk free while awaiting a new trial.
The Crown has also expressed concerns about Dipopolo’s release, stating that he is a flight risk and a danger to the public.
Dipopolo’s release comes with strict conditions, including a curfew, electronic monitoring, and a ban on possessing weapons or contacting certain individuals.
The new trial is set to begin in October, and Dipopolo will remain out on bail until then. The outcome of this trial will determine whether he will return to prison to serve the remainder of his sentence or be acquitted of the charges.
The release of a convicted killer on bail is a rare occurrence and has raised questions about the justice system and the rights of victims and their families. As the case continues to unfold, the community will be watching closely to see what the outcome will be.
