Source : Perth Now news
A former police officer has alternated between wiping his eyes and making strident declarations as he addressed allegations that he murdered his ex-boyfriend and the man’s new partner.
Beau Lamarre-Condon’s evidence before a NSW Supreme Court jury marks the first time he’s spoken publicly at length about the charges he faces.
The 31-year-old has pleaded not guilty to murdering Jesse Baird and Luke Davies in a Sydney home in February 2024, arguing he acted in self-defence.
He admitted to being nervous as he gave his version of events in front of a crowded courtroom, speaking at a rapid pace that prompted multiple entreaties to slow down.
The former senior constable was animated and direct as he answered questions from his defence barrister John Stratton SC about his relationship with Mr Baird and its breakdown in November 2023.
Mr Baird ended their non-exclusive relationship after learning Lamarre-Condon had gone through his phone to vet romantic rivals and posted a photo to falsely insinuate Mr Baird sent him flowers.
Lamarre-Condon told the jury he had gone to his ex’s house months later on the morning of February 19 to collect an array of $2000 shirts and a $25,000 Cartier ring.
He masqueraded as an Uber Eats driver – complete with motorcycle helmet – so he couldn’t be recognised or accused of harassing Mr Baird if someone was at home, he claimed.
He let himself into the house and searched through packing boxes for any sign of his belongings, telling crown prosecutor Brett Hatfield SC he didn’t lift his visor to do so.
Lamarre-Condon claimed he was confronted by Mr Baird who was holding a knife and packing tape, the latter of which he dropped when he lunged for the apparent intruder.
He told the jury his ex-boyfriend held a knife centimetres from his throat in the ensuing struggle, and fearing for his life, he snapped into “police mode” and shot Mr Baird with his police pistol.
His voice broke when he told the jury his finger was on the trigger when the gun accidentally discharged a second time as the tussling pair fell to the ground.
“I’m responsible for his death, but it wasn’t intentional,” the 31-year-old said.
He strongly defended his decision to fire the first shot at his former partner telling the jury he stood by it “110 per cent”.
“I made the right call because if I didn’t, Mr Crown, you would be sitting here today interrogating Mr Baird (over my death),” he told Mr Hatfield.
But he rejected the suggestion he went to the house to kill Mr Baird, insisting he never intended to hurt his ex.
He claimed he had been trying to get help when he was confronted by Mr Davies, who was holding the discarded gun.
Lamarre-Condon said he again kicked into “police mode” when the Qantas flight attendant pointed the gun at him and threatened to shoot him but accidentally shot himself in a struggle.
Prosecutors allege Lamarre-Condon was motivated by jealous obsession when he shot Mr Baird execution style and then killed Mr Davies through the bedroom door to eliminate a witness.
He gave detailed evidence punctuated with verbal footnotes of where to find supporting evidence for his claims.
His testimony was littered with references to police procedure and the use of “we” in relation to police, despite no longer working for the force.
Lamarre-Condon will continue to be cross-examined when the trial resumes on Monday.
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