An Ottawa man charged with seriously injuring five cyclists in a hit-and-run over the weekend is at home Thursday after he was released from jail on bail.
A judge ordered Sommitt Luangpakham, 45, not to drink, drive or contact the victims or their families. He is required to stay in Ottawa and was ordered to turn in his passport.
Luangpakham is charged with five counts of failing to stop at the scene of an accident causing bodily harm. He turned himself in to police three hours after the collision on March Road in Kanata on Sunday.
"It's all very new to him. It's very distressing. You've heard that the injuries to other parties are significant," said defence lawyer Doug Baum.
Luangpakham seemed to appear calm in court on Thursday. His wife cried and was visibly shaken.
"Mr. Luangpakham's family is very relieved to have him out of prison at this time," his lawyer told reporters.
All five victims remain in hospital with brain injuries. At least one of the cyclists, Robert Wein, continues to fight for his life.
Mark White and Hilary McNamee both remain in serious condition. The family of Rob Harland doesn't want his condition released.
Another cyclist, Cathy Anderson, remains in stable condition at the Queensway-Carleton Hospital.
On McNamee's Facebook page, a family member offered an update to friends, saying she was able to sit up and take her neck brace off.
Luangpakham will be back in court July 29.
With a report from CTV Ottawa's Catherine Lathem
