A 14-year-old primary school girl has accused a Belize City man of assaulting her in an indecent manner and today that man almost found himself behind bars after the court prosecutor objected to bail because of the prevalence of the crime. The 14 year old said that yesterday at about 8:25 she was walking on Central American Boulevard when someone lifted her dress and touched her thigh. She ran and got help from a constable at the Sav-U police booth who pursued and captured the man.

He has been identified as 47-year-old unemployed resident of #61 George Street, Mario Zelaya Jr.. He appeared before Magistrate Tracy Sosa where he was charged with one count of aggravated assault of an indecent nature upon a 14-year-old student of a north side primary school in Belize City. He pleaded not guilty.

In court, the police prosecutor objected to bail asking the court to consider the prevalence of the crime, but his attorney, Dickie Bradley stressed that his client is presumed innocent until proven guilty and is not a flight risk. Magistrate Sosa offered Zelaya Jr., bail of $4,000 plus one surety of the same. Bail was posted by his parents who were present in court. His next court date is set for June 25.