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'Monster' to stay in jail

JUDGE PRESIDENT JOHN HLOPHE
JUDGE PRESIDENT JOHN HLOPHE

A MAN charged with 36 crimes against children remains in police custody after his appeal against a bail decision was dismissed in the Western Cape High Court.

Judge John Hlophe upheld the decision by the George Magistrate's Court to deny bail to 59-year-old Knysna estate agent Adrian Wilson-Forbes.

The charges against him include child trafficking, sexual assault and rape.

Hlophe said it was not in the interests of society to release the accused on bail.

"He's a monster. He's a sex predator and society doesn't need someone like this. I have no sympathy," Hlophe said.

The State was not called to give reasons for opposing bail.

A trial date has not yet been set.

The National Prosecuting Authority said yesterday it was happy with the ruling, calling it "a win in the fight against child exploitation".

Western Cape NPA spokesman Eric Ntabazalila said it was the first step towards ensuring victims received justice. He said one person had already been entered into a witness protection programme and there was a chance the accused could threaten and interfere with other witnesses if let out on bail.

Hlophe said the state's case was very strong and the accused could face a life sentence if convicted.

William King, for the defence, argued that the court had already found his client guilty.

He stands accused of sexually assaulting an 11-year-old boy in 2001 and using the boy in the last 10 years to source young girls between eight and nine years old in Parkdene, George.

These girls were allegedly sexually molested, raped and photographed while engaging in sexual acts with him and then paid money.

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