A popular businessman accused of having sex with two 13-year-old girls is to return to court for committal on November 7. This is when he is expected to be told whether he will face trial in the High Court before a judge and jury.
Specifically, the man is facing two counts of the crime Unlawful Sexual Intercourse.
Because the girls are under the age of 14, the offence carries a maximum penalty of life in prison and the man who deals in petroleum and other products, allegedly committed the acts on July 15 at Jolly Harbour.
Last week, he appeared before Chief Magistrate Joanne Walsh because the magistrate in whose district the offence allegedly occurred, was not conducting court that day.
Walsh granted bail to the accused and at the time of our initial report, the conditions set out for his release were not divulged to the media.
However, last evening, police sources and other sources close to the matter, revealed that bail was set at $20,000 and the accused had to get two people to sign the bail and give assurance he would attend court whenever called upon for the case.
A cash component of $5,000 was requested.
The businessman also had to surrender his travel documents and must report to a police station in his community every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday until the case is done or if the court amends the conditions.
Information regarding his address and any other detail that could reveal his identity cannot be published in accordance with the Sexual Offences Act – unless there is a conviction. Likewise, the victims cannot be identified – not even if the man is found guilty.