And in another case involving the alleged fondling of a child, today, 33 year-old Hector Usher, a laborer of Mango Creek Village, was arraigned in the court room of the Chief Magistrate in Belize City on the charge of aggravated assault of an indecent nature. He is accused of fondling a 4 year-old minor, in a highly controversial and sensationalized story of 2011.
In court he pleaded not guilty to the charge. The prosecution objected to bail on the grounds that the investigation is allegedly revealing a pattern of physical and emotional abuse.
The prosecution also submitted a secondary objection stating that Usher frequents the minor's place of residence and other premises where she spends some of her time.
The Chief Magistrate noted the prosecution's objections but granted Usher bail of $1,000, $400 of which had to be paid forthwith. She also gave him the conditions that he must report to the Independence Police Station every Monday and Wednesday. He must also not interfere with the complainant or witnesses, or bail will be confiscated.
In his defense, Usher told the court that he would never do something like what he is being accused of, especially because he also has a daughter that is in the same age range as the victim. He also pleaded to the court to grant him bail because he has to support his daughter.
Usher continued that on the day in question, there were witnesses who saw him pick the child up, and drop her off into the care of the person that she was supposed to be with. He alleges that the police have arrested and charged him without any solid evidence. He is expected to return to court on the 21st February.
