The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

A 39-year-old Grand Bahama primary school teacher was accused in the Freeport Magistrate’s court yesterday of having sex with an underaged girl.

Valentine Munnings, of Gambier Drive, Freeport, appeared before Deputy Chief Magistrate Debbye Ferguson.

He was charged with having unlawful sexual intercourse with a 14-year-old girl. The incident is alleged to have occurred in Freeport on July 27.

Munnings elected a summary trial in the Magistrate’s Court. He pleaded not guilty. He was represented by Wendell Smith.

Prosecutor Inspector Anthony Sawyer objected to bail. He also informed the court that the Office of the Attorney General intends for the matter to proceed by way of a voluntary bill of indictment in the Supreme Court.

Mr Smith argued that the offence is bailable. He also indicated that his client has no antecedents and has close ties to the community as a teacher.

“As a result of the allegations, he will end up unemployed,” he said.

The attorney also stated that the prosecution showed nothing to indicate Munnings would interfere with the complainant, abscond, or commit another offence while awaiting trial.

He asked that bail be set at a reasonable amount, explaining the accused’s wife is unemployed.

Deputy Chief Magistrate Ferguson granted Munnings $9,000 bail with three suretors. The case was adjourned to December 1.