HIRE car driver Eon Weekes, 29, who has been on remand in prison since last August, was granted bail Monday, when he appeared before Magistrate Adela Nagamootoo at New Amsterdam Court, in Berbice.

The accused, of Lot 40 Stanleytown and Sheet Anchor, East Canje, also in Berbice, was ordered to post $150,000 surety, until his canal knowledge case is called, again, on February 5.

In addition, he had to lodge his passport with the Court Clerk and must report to Central Police Station, New Amsterdam, once weekly.

The charge against him said Weekes committed the offence on a girl under 13 years of age, repeatedly, between July 16 and August 12, 2009.

He secured the grant after the magistrate heard a probation report on the case.

Probation and Welfare Officer Maisie Sheppard, who prepared the document, said Weekes does not live in close proximity to the victim and is not a threat to her.

The compilation disclosed, as well, that the virtual complainant has been attending counselling sessions at the Probation Department.

Police Inspector Satrohan Dayaram, prosecuting, said the sexually assaulted girl is a second form student in a secondary school.

The Prosecutor said Weekes operates in New Amsterdam and had befriended the girl who is a regular passenger and would leave her parents’ home to attend school but, instead, go for drives, during which she is taken to his home to endure the sexual activities.

The Court was told his suspicious neighbours alerted the girl’s parents, who, after questioning her, reported to the Police.