Duncan Grant, 61, the British social worker wanted in Mumbai on charges of sexual abuse, has been released on bail, after being arrested in Dar es Salaam last week.
Grant, who was arrested on an international warrant in Tanzania, appeared in court where his bail application was accepted by the magistrate.
Earlier, the prosecution side, led by Senior State Attorney Justus Mulokozi, assisted by Assistant Commissioner of Police Patrick Byatao, asked the court to issue a warrant for Grant's arrest so that he could answer paedophile charges in the court, under the provision of Section 7(3), of the Extradition Act No.15 of 1985.
In its affidavit the prosecution claimed that Grant committed the said offence in India and then escaped to Tanzania. It said that on August 26, Tanzania Police received an arrest order from the International Police (Interpol) in New Delhi that described Duncan Grant as a "fugitive criminal."
Attorney Mulokozi said: "Under this circumstance Tanzania Police arrested him while awaiting completion of extradition procedures from India."
He added that since the police was awaiting instructions from India the prosecution had no reason to object to Grant's bail plea. The defence lawyer Sam Lemboko objected to the term 'fugitive criminal' and said it was improper to use the term for his client as he was yet to be proved guilty. He said if those accusing his client had evidence to warrant his conviction, they could have done so three years ago. "His arrest could have been made in UK where he stayed for eight months after leaving India."
Grant will report to the office of the Director of Criminal Investigations, after every 14 days, and surrender his passport to the court. The case was adjourned till September 29.
{{/usCountry}}Grant will report to the office of the Director of Criminal Investigations, after every 14 days, and surrender his passport to the court. The case was adjourned till September 29.
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