A taxi operator accused of raping a 13-year-old girl, who was a passenger in his vehicle, was granted $500,000 bail when he appeared in the St Catherine Parish Court on Friday.

The 48-year-old man is also charged with sexual touching and forcible abduction. His name has not been disclosed to protect the child.

Attorney-at-law Davion Vassell successfully applied for bail when the matter came up for mention before Parish Judge Gennetta Smikle.