Concerns over an alleged stalker’s access to a firearm were paramount for Jesse Baird in the months leading up to his death, the NSW Supreme Court heard. Beau Lamarre-Condon, a former police officer, is currently on trial, facing charges of murder and aggravated break and enter. The prosecution alleges that Lamarre-Condon used his service pistol to shoot Baird and his boyfriend, Luke Davies, in February 2024 at Baird’s Sydney home. This alleged act followed a period of stalking directed at Baird.

Allegations of Obsessive Behavior and Fear

The court has been presented with evidence suggesting a past romantic involvement between Lamarre-Condon and Baird, spanning parts of 2022 and 2023. However, Baird had reportedly ended the relationship, stating he was not ready for a committed partnership. The Crown contends that Lamarre-Condon developed an obsessive and jealous fixation on Baird.

Corey Dean Thorpe, Baird’s former long-term partner, testified that in late 2023, Baird expressed profound fear regarding Lamarre-Condon’s actions. Thorpe recounted a November 2023 phone call where Baird sounded “petrified,” a level of fear Thorpe had never witnessed before. Baird repeatedly vocalized his terror, stating, “he has a gun.”

Thorpe also revealed Baird’s apprehension about reporting Lamarre-Condon’s behavior to the police, given that Lamarre-Condon was an active officer. Baird worried about potential false allegations that could jeopardize his career as a television presenter and AFL umpire.

Details of Alleged Phone Intrusion

According to Thorpe’s testimony, Baird disclosed that Lamarre-Condon would access his phone while he slept. Lamarre-Condon allegedly identified men Baird was communicating with, blocked their numbers, deleted their contacts, and removed chat histories. Baird discovered this intrusion after waking one night and witnessing Lamarre-Condon using his phone. In one instance, while Baird was at a cafe, Lamarre-Condon reportedly drove past and sent a message saying, “I hope you’re enjoying that coffee with that guy.”

Thorpe confirmed that Baird had expressed significant worry about the consequences of ending the relationship with Lamarre-Condon, specifically due to the alleged stalking. Baird had sought Thorpe’s advice on how to message Lamarre-Condon to end contact.

Defense Arguments and Prosecution’s Case

Lamarre-Condon’s defense team has indicated they will argue that he acted in self-defense during the incident at Baird’s home. The prosecution, however, has laid out a different narrative, alleging that Lamarre-Condon disguised himself as an Uber Eats delivery driver and waited for three hours for Baird’s housemates to leave before entering the premises.

The Crown’s case posits that Lamarre-Condon shot Baird twice in the kitchen. It is further alleged that he then shot Davies, who was in a bedroom attempting to call emergency services, to eliminate a witness to Baird’s death.

During the opening address, defense counsel John Stratton SC presented an alternative account. He stated that Lamarre-Condon went to the home intending to collect personal belongings and did not anticipate anyone being present. Stratton argued that Baird, not recognizing Lamarre-Condon due to his helmet, was fatally wounded when the firearm discharged during a physical struggle. The defense claims the gun was then thrown into the lounge room, and during a subsequent altercation involving the weapon, Luke Davies sustained a fatal self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Further Witness Testimony

The jury also heard from Matthew Edwards, a friend of Jesse Baird. Edwards testified that Baird first mentioned Lamarre-Condon in January 2023, describing him at the time as “a friend and nothing more.”

Evidence previously presented indicated that in mid-November 2023, Baird discovered Lamarre-Condon’s unauthorized access to his phone and the subsequent deletion and blocking of contacts. Baird had sent a message requesting no further contact, deeming the behavior “completely inappropriate.” Despite this, the Crown asserts Lamarre-Condon’s behavior did not cease and escalated.

Edwards recounted a conversation with Baird in early February 2024, shortly before his death. When asked if he had heard from Lamarre-Condon, Baird reportedly responded with relief, “No, thank f***, I’m so done… I’m so done with him.”

The court has also heard about Baird’s relationship with Luke Davies, which friends described as “the real deal” and which had become “something solid” in the early months of 2024. Edwards testified that he had never seen Baird as happy as he was with Davies.

The trial, presided over by Justice Natalie Adams, is expected to continue for approximately three months.