Suspected German pedophile, Bernhard Glanser Berry has succumbed to cancer shortly after being granted cash bail of Shillings 30 million.
High Court Judge Moses Kazibwe granted the 73-year-old suspect bail to enable him travel to Belgium for cancer treatment. Glanser was lifted to court on a stretcher by five prison warders.
Glaser, the 73- year old German and founder of Ssese Humanitarian service in Kalangala district who has been in prison on allegations of defilement, indecent assault and aggravated child trafficking has died in Mulago hospital on Thursday 7th May, 2020 at 8am, Uganda Prisons Services spokesperson, Frank Baine has confirmed.
The suspect, who has been in Luzira Murchison Bay prison was on drip. Part of the left side of his face is completely eaten by cancer. Glanser who was urinating via a catheter was later laid on one of the court room tables as his lawyers including Caleb Alaka and Evans Ochieng pleaded with court for his release on bail.
The State Prosecutor, Rachael Bikhole didn’t object to the bail application but asked court to order the suspect to deposit his passport with court after returning from treatment and about Shillings 50 million to ensure he returns to court for trial. In his ruling, Justice Kazibwe concurred with the defense team that Glanser needs to go for treatment because his condition was visibly worse.
He directed him to deposit Shillings 30 million in cash and never to return to Kalangala. He bonded his four sureties at Shillings 150 million not in cash. He ordered Glanser, who is standing trial in High Court in Masaka to report to the Registrar of the same court on July 6th to see how they can prepare for his trial.
The deceased was subjected to a medical test and in July 2019 the Uganda Cancer Institute released a report indicating the Glaser’s health condition was not so grave for him not to withstand trial.
Glaser has been seen multiple times in court with what looks like a skin irritation on the side of his face.
Earlier this year in January, the Uganda Cancer Institute acknowledged that it could not handle the illness that Bery Glaser was suffering from. He had stage four cancer of the skin (melanoma) and diabetes. The cells that gave colour to his skin had become cancerous.
In February 2019, police detectives raided Glaser’s home in Kalangala and rescued at least 11 children living under his care. Police did not find Glaser at his home at the time. He was arrested later when he presented himself to the police.
It’s alleged that in 2007 and in November 2013 at Mwena Landing site in Kalangala district Glaser abused the power and authority he had over the minors that were under his care and sexually assaulted them.
Glaser was first arrested in December 2013 on suspicion of sexually abusing 19 minors under his care in Kalangala, central Uganda.
He was later acquitted by the court after the state failed to get incriminating evidence against him.
