The Reverend Dr Paul Lewis, a New York-based evangelist who is facing carnal abuse and indecent assault charges, was granted $500,000 bail with sureties.

The offence was allegedly committed on a 15-year-old girl at a hotel in Westmoreland this month. He was denied bail in the Savanna-la-Mar Resident Magistrate's Court. However, a bail application was made in chambers at the Supreme Court and Lewis was granted bail.

He is to return to court on July 7.

The conditions of his bail are that he is to surrender his travel documents to the police.

A stop order has been placed on him so he cannot leave the island.

The Registrar of the Supreme Court has been instructed to contact the US Embassy and inform the embassy not to issue any travel documents to Lewis.

Lewis is to report to the Constant Spring Police Station three times weekly.