New developments in Rob Ford case

A man charged in connection to Anthony Smith’s death is now allowed to leave the province while he waits for a trial. Lawyers have agreed to change 23-year old Hanad Mohamed’s bail conditions.

Anthony Smith is known for appearing in a photo with Toronto Mayor Rob Ford. He was shot and killed outside a Toronto bar in March. Mohamed was originally charged with first-degree murder but had the charges downgraded to accessory after the fact to manslaughter, accessory to committing aggravated assault, and accessory to discharging a firearm. He’s due back in court on November 21st.

And a judge has released a reference letter that the Toronto Mayor wrote for his occasional driver Alexander Lisi. Lisi was charged with several drug offences earlier this month, including trafficking marijuana, possession of marijuana, conspiracy to commit an indictable offence, and possession of proceeds of crime. The Toronto Star says this letter was first referenced in June, when Lisi was being sentenced for threatening to kill a woman. According to the letter, the Mayor knows Lisi from his volunteer work on Ford’s 2010 election campaign.

It says, “Mr. Lisi has demonstrated to myself that he has a great work ethic and has always shown tact and diplomacy. I have known Mr. Lisi for several years, and he has always conducted himself in a courteous and polite manner.”