Benjamin granted $170k bail

Sascha Wilson

Former Children’s Authority chairman Dr Hanif Benjamin has been granted $170,000 bail on two sexual-related offences against a 15-year-old boy.

Forty-seven-year-old Benjamin, a clinical therapist and trauma specialist, appeared before Master Delicia Bethelemy in the San Fernando Masters Court.

The charges alleged that he engaged in sexual communication with a child and in a sexual activity in the presence of a child on July 15 via a WhatsApp video call.

The state represented by attorneys Sgt Reagan Ramanan, instructed by Insp Ramdeo Sookdeo, objected to bail on the grounds that he may be flight risk and might interfere with witnesses.

However, he was eventually granted bail on the grounds that he has no contact or communication with the victim, or any of the witnesses. he also has to surrender his passport and report to the police station. He was represented by attorneys Ajesh Sumessar instructed by Andre Cole.

The matter was adjourned to January 16, 2026.