Sex scam German suspect fails to secure bail

By Dismus Buregyeya

Bernhard Glaser, the German national facing charges of aggravated defilement, failed to secure bail when he appeared before the Masaka High Court Wednesday.

Justice Margaret Ouma Oguli remanded Glaser back to Masaka Central Prison until January 7, 2014 after the prosecution objected to the application on grounds that it was filed at short notice.

The court had earlier considered adjourning the application hearing until Friday as requested by Glaser’s lawyers, but the prosecution said they needed ample time.

“We need ample time to prepare and respond to the bail application,” the prosecution team said.

Court heard that the bail application was served to the prosecution at 8:30am on Tuesday. Glaser’s lawyer had also requested court to allow him make a phone call to the Police to deliver the file before Friday, but court objected, saying case files cannot be produced basing on mere phone calls.

Daniel Kikoola, the former Kalangala LC5 chairman, was among people who turned up to stand surety for Glaser.

Other friends and relatives, including officials from the German Embassy, as well as some of the girls benefiting from Glaser’s organisation, were present. Kikoola said they are interested in fast delivery of justice in this case.

“We condemn the abuse of children, but want a fair and speedy trial,” he said.

Francis Oguli, a Police officer from the Special Investigation Unit based in Kireka, who was also present at the court, said the Police was still carrying out further investigation.

“We are about to press more charges against Glaser and other suspects,” he said.

He added that at least nine of the girls had been handed over to their parents in Kalangala. Oguli said the Police are in possession of 12 children, who will soon be handed over to their parents after ascertaining that they are the genuine parents.

“The problem is that we have people who come masquerading as parents. We are suspicious that there is another motive to mess up the case,” he said.