Allegation of Sexual Assault: Sergeant with 24 Years of Service Released on Bail

A 45-year-old police sergeant has been arrested and released on bail after being accused of indecent assault against a 34-year-old woman. The alleged incident occurred on the night of Monday, November 24, in Grand-Baie. According to the complainant, the officer, while driving his personal vehicle and in uniform, offered to give her a ride as she was walking alone on the street.

"Since he was in uniform, I felt safe. He asked if I was okay, and I responded affirmatively," she stated. During the ride, he allegedly changed course and committed indecent acts. The complainant noted that the officer smelled of alcohol. She said she complied out of fear for her safety but managed to escape the vehicle upon spotting her companion on the side of the road. She filed a complaint at the Grand-Baie police station on the evening of Wednesday, November 26.

The sergeant, residing in Upper Vale with 24 years of service, was arrested on Friday, November 28, by officers from the Pointe-aux-Canonniers station. During questioning by Inspector Juggoo's squad, he denied the accusations. However, during an identification procedure, the complainant recognized him.

On Saturday, November 29, the sergeant appeared before the Weekend Court, where he was provisionally charged with indecent assault. He was granted bail with conditions prohibiting him from approaching the complainant and requiring him to maintain a distance of at least 100 meters. On Monday, December 1, he posted bail of Rs 10,000 in front of the Rivière-du-Rempart District Court and signed a promissory note for Rs 30,000. The complainant has since withdrawn her complaint.

The police investigation continues despite the withdrawal of the complaint. The case will be forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, which will decide on the next steps. The police specify that all procedures have been followed according to the law and that the sergeant remains under judicial control. No further details have been disclosed to protect the victim's identity and to respect the ongoing judicial process.