00:00Bail was set at $170,000 for former chairman of the Children's Authority, Hanif Benjamin, when he appeared before Coover Masters Court earlier today.
00:10Benjamin, a 47-year-old trauma specialist, was charged with two sex-related offences and appeared before Master Delicia Bethelmy.
00:18He was charged with sexual communication and engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child that will lead under the Children's Act by Corporal Cassie of the Child Protection Unit.
00:29Benjamin was represented by Ateneus Ajis Soumesa and Andrew Cole while the case was prosecuted by Sergeant Ramanan and Inspector Sukdeo.
00:38Benjamin was placed on bail with specific conditions outlined in the court.
00:43He was ordered by the Master not to have any contact or communication with the alleged victim or any witness directly or indirectly or via a third party,
00:53as well as surrender his passport to the Registrar of the San Fernando Court and continue to reside at his Princess Town address and if he decides to move, he must inform the police.
01:05He was also instructed to report to the Princess Town police station twice per month between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.
01:12The matter was adjourned to January 16th of next year.
01:16It is alleged that a child was shown private parts during a phone video conversation earlier this month.
01:22Police officers were later contacted.
01:25Mark Bassant, TV6 News.
