Former Island Special Constabulary Force Commander, Harold Crooks, was granted $500,000 bail in the Linstead Resident Magistrate's Court yesterday.

Crooks who is also a former adviser to the Ministry of National Security,was told he should report to the police on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. He is to return on October 26, when the case will again be mentioned.

When he appeared before Resident Magistrate Simone Maddix, his lawyer Norma Linton asked for mercy.

She asked the court to take into consideration the fact that Crooks is not in the best of health.

The Queen's Counsel also told the court that Crooks had served his country and that contrary to belief he would not be a flight risk.

The former policeman was captured in Ocho Rios, St Ann, after he jumped from a ship.

He was on the run for about two months after being wanted to answer to a carnal abuse charge involving a 15-year-old girl.

Since the accused was arrested and charged he has been hospitalised on several occasions.