Sharif Rahman Case: Another Evans Court Appearance Ends Without Progress
Barry Evans appeared by video in Owen Sound bail court, where his case stalled over missing disclosure. He faces accessory charges in the 2023 death of Sharif Rahman.
Barry Evans, one of three U.K. men of the same family charged in relation to the 2023 homicide of Owen Sound man Sharif Rahman, appeared by video before the Ontario Court of Justice. However, the appearance ended without progress after defence counsel told the court they had received only partial, paper disclosure from the Crown.
Police allege Barry Evans assisted his nephew, Robert Evans Jr., in fleeing the scene following a fatal altercation outside Rahman’s restaurant, The Curry House, and that he removed hotel records after the fact to impede the investigation.
“We have only received paper disclosure on this matter,” defence counsel Abu Ali told the court. “We’ve requested it multiple times,” he added, noting the most recent request was made on January 29, 2026, and that they are expecting digital media files.
Barry Evans last appeared in court on January 20.
There was also brief confusion during the appearance when the Justice of the Peace noted that Evans’ date of birth on file did not match the date he verbally provided to the court.
Evans was remanded into custody and is scheduled to return by video on Tuesday, February 17, in courtroom 102, for an update on the outstanding disclosure issues.
Disclosure Also Missing in Evans Jr. and Sr. Cases
On January 22, Robert Evans Jr. appeared by video before the Ontario Court of Justice in Owen Sound, where his manslaughter case stalled again over missing disclosure.
Defence counsel told the court that requested materials — including a promised hard drive — had still not been provided despite repeated requests. With disclosure outstanding and no bail decision possible, Evans Jr. was remanded back into custody until his next appearance.
The day before, his father, Robert Busby Evans Sr., also appeared by video, and his case similarly did not advance due to incomplete disclosure.
Charged with accessory after the fact for allegedly helping arrange his son’s departure from Canada, Busby Evans told the court he now prefers to be known as “Justin Jones,” the name police allege he used when entering Canada in 2023, stating: “I’ve changed my name.”
Three Evans Family Members Accused in Sharif Rahman’s Homicide
According to police records reviewed during extradition proceedings, Evans was among three family members who dined at The Curry House in downtown Owen Sound on August 17, 2023.
Police allege the Evans group, identified in police affidavits filed during extradition proceedings as Irish Travellers, had been going door-to-door in Southwestern Ontario towns during the summer of 2023, offering driveway paving services.
Police allege the men refused to pay for their meal at Rahman’s restaurant, leading to a confrontation that escalated outside the restaurant.
According to investigators, police received a 911 call at 9:23 p.m. reporting an assault in progress at The Curry House. Witnesses reported hearing a loud crack as Evans Jr. struck Sharif Rahman in the face in front of his restaurant.
Barry Evans is alleged to have retrieved the group’s vehicle from a nearby lot and waited for his nephews nearby, yelling words to the effect of, “Run!” as they fled the scene.
Busby Evans Sr. is believed to have been waiting at the Travelodge at the top of 10th St E., where his brother, Barry, had booked two rooms for the family. Police said cell phone records showed a “flurry” of activity as all three men contacted Busby Evans Sr. at the hotel, where he was soon picked up and taken with his sons to Collingwood.
Busby Evans Sr. is charged with accessory after the fact for allegedly arranging Evans Jr.’s transportation to Pearson International Airport in Toronto and a flight to Heathrow in London the day after the assault.
Investigators allege Barry Evans returned to the Travelodge in Owen Sound to retrieve the group’s hotel registration records the following morning.
Rahman was transported to a London, Ontario hospital, where he died one week later.
The investigation, led by the Owen Sound Police Service with support from the Ontario Provincial Police, became marked by an unusual level of secrecy as authorities worked to locate and return the accused from overseas.
While father and son were arrested in Scotland in July 2024, police released few details publicly, contributing to months of speculation and unease within the Owen Sound community.
Barry Evans was arrested separately on October 29, 2024, in Dalkeith, Scotland, and has been in custody since. Extradition proceedings began in April 2025, and in October, all three accused consented to extradition to Canada, waiving their right to appeal.
The Evans family were escorted back to Ontario in December 2025 with assistance from Canadian and UK law enforcement agencies.
Barry Evans’ charge relates solely to his alleged actions following the altercation. He is not accused of participating in the assault that led to Rahman’s death. None of the charges have been proven in court.
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