The court found that the circumstances which previously justified the denial of bail—namely, hostility from the local community and risk of violence—had changed, as evidenced by the favourable probation report. The court noted that the passage of time since the offence had likely reduced community hostility and that the prosecution did not present any compelling reasons to continue denying bail. Therefore, the accused was entitled to bail on reasonable terms, subject to conditions to ensure attendance at trial and non-interference with witnesses.