A 35-year-old man accused of fondling a teenager was yesterday released on $50,000 bail by Acting Chief Magistrate Cecil Sullivan.

Kevin Austin of Lot 176 Campbellville Housing Scheme denied the allegation of indecent assault when he appeared in the Georgetown Magistrate's Court.

It is alleged that on May 17 at Georgetown, Austin indecently assaulted the 15-year-old.

Austin reportedly locked the door of the house they were in and fondled the teenager's breast. The teenager later reported the incident to a relative who in turn contacted the police.

Austin was represented by attorney-at-law Leslie Sobers. Sobers in his application stated that his client is an accountant by profession and is employed with the Region Three authority. According to the defence counsel, his client lives with his wife and family and other relatives.

"He patted her head and was surprised that he was later accused of indecent assault."

The counsel said that Austin poses no flight risk and asked that he be sent on his own recognizance.

Police prosecutor Maxine Graham in her response asked for substantial bail for the defendant. Sobers said that his client has an interest in restoring his good name because his job depends on it. He said that his client will return to court to defend himself.

The magistrate originally set bail at $100,000 but after submissions by the defence counsel there was a reduction.

The matter continues on June 19 in Court Six.