Trial delayed for teacher accused of sexual assault

Cayman Islands courthouse, George Town

(CNS): A government high school teacher due to stand trial in relation to three allegations of indecent assault against students at John Gray High School was bailed Monday after his case was postponed. The crown was due to open the prosecution against the 42-year-old man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, but the case was adjourned when the court heard that several crown witnesses were unavailable. The prosecuting counsel explained she had been given conduct of the case just one week ago and discovered that at least one complainant and other witnesses were not available.

Defence attorney Steve Field asked the court for compensation for the case being postponed because it was causing his client financial hardship. Since he was arrested in March 2015, the teacher has been suspended from his position at the school and has been given permission to travel to Jamaica while on bail, where he has been staying with his family. The investigation lasted several months and he was charged in November last year.

The defendant told the court that he had travelled back and forth around ten times in relation to the case. The judge continued the bail for the suspended teacher until a new trial date is set but he declined to award any compensation for the man’s expenses, as he said this was the first time the crown had been obliged to ask for an adjournment.