Man granted bail after allegedly molesting minor

A 46-year-old man has been granted $40,000 bail after he allegedly molested a minor.

The accused man, whose name is being withheld to protect the identity of the minor involved, is charged with two counts of indecent assault.

He did not enter a plea when he appeared before Magistrate Christilyn Benjamin on Tuesday.

What the court heard happened

The court heard that on November 19 this year, the said minor — who is a friend to a relative of the accused man — accompanied the family member to an off-campus location to have lunch.

Some time during that lunch period the accused man allegedly kissed the minor on the lips while no one was around.

After lunch, the aforesaid relative asked the accused to drive them back to school.

The court heard that on their way back to school, the alleged victim was sitting in the back seat. The court heard that while his relative — who was in the front passenger seat was searching the vehicle — the accused moved his hands up the complainant’s leg and fondled her vagina.

The complainant reportedly stated that she was afraid and did not react. The accused man reportedly stopped when they arrived near the school, the court further heard.

Educators at the school eventually became aware of the alleged incident and it was reported to the police.

In the meantime, the court further heard that the minor’s mother said that sometime later, she met the accused man sitting on her stairway where he allegedly admitted to doing something. He apologized.

The accused allegedly admitted to her that he had grabbed her daughter’s legs but denied ever grabbing her vagina or kissing her inappropriately.

The accused then asked for her mother’s forgiveness and said it was a mistake.

I was having a bad day

During a cautioned interview with police on November 22, the accused said that on the day in question, he was having a bad day and remained home where he drank alcohol.

He said he then drove the duo to school upon the request of his family member. When the allegations were put to him, he did not deny them but stated that he was not feeling well because he was inebriated and therefore was unable to recall what transpired.

Bail conditions

After hearing no objections from the Crown for bail, Magistrate Benjamin offered the accused bail with one surety.

He was ordered to stay away from the minor in the matter, surrender his travel documents and report to the East End Police Station every Monday and Wednesday between 6 am and 6 pm.

His matter was then adjourned to January 27. He is currently unrepresented.