Warning: This story contains graphic details that may be distressing to some readers.
A person convicted of killing a sex worker in 2003 and also assaulting children will appear in court next week for a bail hearing on charges they violated a long-term supervision order.
Jatin Patel, 49, appeared before Vancouver Provincial Court Judge James Sutherland on Feb. 9 for a bail hearing but the case was adjourned so defence lawyer Janine Sicotte can get up to speed on her client’s case.
Patel faces two counts of violating a long-term supervision order, both related to Nov. 21 incidents.
The first allegation is that Patel failed to report a relationship or friendship to their parole supervisor.
The second is that they owned, used or possessed a technological device that would allow internet connection without parole supervisor approval.
Patel has agreed to remain in custody pending the bail hearing.
Trial dates could also be set next week.
Patel has a lengthy criminal file.
The killing
Patel was convicted in the 2003 killing of transsexual prostitute Shelby Tracy Tom.
Tom’s body was found behind a laundromat, wrapped in a hotel mattress cover and stuffed in a shopping cart.
Patel put it there with the assistance of another sex worker.
Patel was sentenced to nine years for manslaughter, with four-and-a-half years left to serve after credit for time served.
Patel's lawyer in the case said Patel had been sexually assaulted in prison and that their reaction to Tom sprang partially from that.
In 2009, Patel was arrested in downtown Vancouver after allegedly breaching parole conditions.
‘Significant risk’
In April 2021, police issued a warning about Patel living in Vancouver, saying they were "a significant risk to adolescent females and sex workers in the city.”
At that point, Patel was considered a high-risk sex offender serving a seven-year long-term supervision order for a conviction of sexual assault.
After a conviction of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old in a Surrey motel in January, Patel was declared a dangerous offender but that designation was overturned in March 2018.
In February 2015, Patel was convicted of sexual assault after touching a 13-year-old girl's buttocks at a Safeway store. Patel was convicted of a further sexual offence in this case.
