By KEILE CAMPBELL

Tribune Staff Reporter

kcampbell@tribunemedia.net

THE trial of a man accused of groping a 14-year-old girl at a Prince Charles Drive restaurant continued on Friday with testimony from the victim, her mother, and a police officer.

Michael Fox, 28, is charged with one count of indecent assault in connection with an August 30 incident at Out East Restaurant, across from Doris Johnson Senior High School. He previously pleaded not guilty.

Before giving evidence, the 14-year-old victim was asked by Senior Magistrate Anishka Isaacs to demonstrate her understanding of the difference between truth and lies and swore on the Bible.

The teen testified that Fox pretended to pick up something from the floor before grabbing her by the hip. She said the incident left her feeling violated and caused her to cry in her father’s car. She also identified Fox in court as the man who touched her.

Her mother, 37, told the court her daughter ran to the car crying and said a man had squeezed her buttocks. She recalled seeing Fox in the area for several minutes before he ran off and jumped over a fence as her husband tried to confront him.

The victim’s mother said the incident left her daughter fearful, noting that she now locks the car doors at every red stoplight.

Police Constable Kenaz Rolle of Elizabeth Police Station also testified, saying he was instructed to investigate the report. He told the court that Fox admitted to touching the girl but refused to sign a written statement. Rolle said the admission was made voluntarily without coercion.

Fox did not cross-examine the witnesses and told the magistrate that when he bent down, he did not realize he touched the girl. He apologised, but the prosecutor told him it was too late for that.

The case was adjourned to Monday.