Bail for dentist accused of sexual molestation:

A PROMINENT George dentist, who just four months ago was convicted and sentenced for performing sexual acts on a minor, was released on bail in another case yesterday.

The new charge relates to the alleged sexual assault of a 12-year-old boy during a sleep-over at a Herolds Bay home.

The 43-year-old father of three, who cannot be named until he has pleaded, appeared in the George Magistrate’s Court for the third time since his arrest on April 17.

He was arrested by mem- bers of the George Family Violence and Sexual Offences Unit. He appeared in court on the day of his arrest, but the case was postponed to yesterday for a bail application.

Magistrate Nelson Malaudzi said it was not in the interest of justice to deny the accused bail as he, among other circumstances, was the sole breadwinner for his family and caregiver to his three children.

Malaudzi was also convinced the man was not a flight risk and would not interfere with either the complainant or witnesses in the case.

He was therefore released on R5 000 bail on condition that no child under the age of 16 enters his “premises”.

State prosecutor J J Marx had opposed bail, saying that it would be in the interest of society to keep the accused behind bars.

Marx referred to the man’s previous conviction in November last year and said that the modus operandi of the first crime and the alleged crime last week was very similar and that both happened during a sleepover at the accused’s home.

“Granting of bail would lead to public shock and the loss of confidence in the justice system,” Marx said.

The matter was post- poned until May 29.

The accused, who was dressed in a white tracksuit top and jeans, was visibly relieved when bail was granted and wiped tears away before he left court.

A spokesman for Woman and Men Against Child Abuse said the group would be watching the case closely.