By Paul Thornton & Cara Sulieman
A GRIEVING family said they were “shocked” after discovering their murder accused dad has been released from custody in time for Christmas – while he still awaits trial over the death of their mum.
Carol Jarvis, 47, was found in her home at Bathgate, West Lothian, by police during the early hours of September 16.
Husband Harry Jarvis, 59, was later arrested along with Rita Heyster, 55, following the discovery of Carol’s body at the house in Balbardie Crescent.
They are charged with the murder of Mrs Jarvis as well as attempting to pervert the course of justice.
The pair – both from Bathgate – are also charged with board and lodgings fraud as well as theft.
“In shock”
They were remanded in custody following their arrest in September and have spent three months on remand.
Yesterday (Friday) at Livingston Sheriff Court they were both granted bail following brief appearances in private before Sheriff Graeme Fleming.
Crown Office officials said they were unable to reveal where the pair had been bailed to.
Following the hearing, eldest daughter Susan Jarvis, who attended court with family and friends, said the siblings were still “in shock” and trying to recover from their mother’s death.
Susan, 27, said: “We are still in shock and don’t know what to think at the moment.
“We are just going to try to continue to live our lives as normally as possible as we have done from the outset.
“The family are just going to wait and let justice take its course.
“We haven’t been told where either of them are going to be living.”
“Special conditions”
Susan declined to comment when asked about the possibility of her father contacting the family.
The Crown Office confirmed the pair had been bailed.
A spokesman said: “Rita Heyster and Harry Jarvis appeared at the Livingston Sheriff Court today in connection with the death of Carol Jarvis.
“They were granted bail with special conditions designed to secure their attendance at trial.
“Investigations continue and a decision will be taken by Crown Counsel once those investigations are completed.”
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