a six-year-old girl.

The non-Bermudian, who lives in the East End of the Island and can speak very little English, went on trial at Magistrates' Court where he faced three charges of sexual exploitation of a young person between October, 1999 and September last year.

Det. Con. David Abraham, who is a member of the Police Community and Juvenile Services Department, told the court that the investigation was launched on September 11 last year after he received a complaint from the girl's father.

After the allegations of sexual assault were made, officers visited the home of the defendant, who cannot be named for legal reasons.

The 30-year-old accused man was in his yard when Police arrived. With his wife and children present, he was arrested and taken to Hamilton Police Station, where he was interviewed.

Det. Con. Abraham said he then conducted a thorough search of the one-bedroomed apartment.

Defending the accused, lawyer Elizabeth Christopher asked Det. Con. Abraham: "Was it true that the point of your search of the property was to seek things that would corroborate what (the girl) had said?'' To which the officer said "yes''.

She added: "So one of the things you would be looking for at (the house) would include a pornographic video?'' The Police officer admitted he was looking for anything pornographic, such as magazines and videos, but did not find anything.

But he said he seized a video recorder and tapes, but found there to be nothing evidential in them.

The officer also told the court that he had searched the man's place of work, but again found nothing.

Ms Christopher asked if officers were also looking for white gloves, to which Det. Con. Abraham replied "no''.

And she added: "Did you see if there was a dog at the residence, in particular a puppy?'' Again, the detective said `no'.

The court heard how the defendant had voluntarily given a statement and had been helpful.

His attorney asked the child protection officer: "Would it not be correct to say he (defendant) had expressed some element of surprise at the allegations?'' The detective said the accused did appear surprised at the claims, and said he had been cooperative to officers both at the time of his arrest and afterwards at the station.

The case, which was being heard by Acting Magistrate Justin Williams, has been adjourned until next Monday.

The defendant denies the charges.