Carlton Herbert during a previous court appearance. Photo: VINO/File

Herbert, a teacher of thirteen (13) years at the Bregado Flax Educational Centre (BFEC), faced three charges of procuring acts of indecent assault with a minor, three charges of indecent assault and one charge of wrongful confinement. He pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

Herbert is being represented by Attorney-at-Law Marie Lou Creque while the prosecution’s case is being represented by Principal Crown Counsel Tiffany Scatliffe.

Creque told the Magistrate’s court she was ready to proceed but requested that the defence’s case be heard on another date. A total of six witnesses were expected to testify during the trial, which is being heard in camera.

Herbert was granted bail in the sum of $100,000 with two sureties and a cash component of $10,000.

According to the allegations read in court previously, the first Virtual Complainant (VC) who is a female student of the BFEC, was invited into Herbert's Woodwork class on November 12, 2012.

Further, another student was also allegedly present in the classroom at the said time when the defendant allegedly touched the VC inappropriately. The defendant subsequently encouraged the other student to commit an alleged act of indecent assault against the VC; the accused was further alleged to have locked the door of the classroom to allow the act to be committed.

The court was further informed that the VC resisted the act of indecency committed upon her and subsequently made a complaint on November 30, 2012 to the principal of the school. The matter was later brought to the attention of the Social Development Department and later, the Police. This led to the defendant being charged and later brought before the court.

The court was informed that the second VC, who is also a student of the BFEC Secondary Division, was also allegedly invited by the accused into his Woodwork classroom on November 22, 2012. Two students were also present at the time of the invitation. The accused allegedly spoke to the VC and touched her inappropriately in the presence of the two male students.

He later allegedly procured another male student to do likewise; the VC resisted both efforts.