WESTERN BUREAU — Hartford and Maureen Montique, the Montego Bay couple accused of torturing the man who allegedly molested their 10 year-old daughter, are to stand trial on October 23.

Their $450,000 bail has been extended until then.

The Montiques, who were first brought before the Montego Bay Resident Magistrate’s Court five months ago, are facing charges of simple larceny, malicious destruction of property, and assault occasioning grievous bodily harm. In addition, Hartford, 42, is facing a charge of unlawful wounding while his wife, 38, is facing a charge of illegal possession of a firearm.

Omar James, the alleged child molester, reportedly made his first pass at the Montiques’ daughter in April of this year when he was said to have entered the child’s room and indecently assaulted her. Then, during the couple’s absence from the home on May 8, James, who was employed to the home as a gardener, allegedly entered the little girl’s room, pushed her onto the bed and sexually assaulted her.

The 10 year-old reported the incident to her parents on May 12 and the couple allegedly tortured James between 6:00 pm and 7:30 am the next day.

They reportedly stripped him of his clothing, bound him with an assortment of cords, then used a hammer and other implements to beat him. The 23 year-old was hit on his penis, head, neck, right breast, shoulder, knees and palms. The court was told that the child’s mother loaded her husband’s licensed 9mm pistol and used it to threaten the man who had been accused of violating her young daughter.

The couple later reportedly took James’ travel documents and burned his clothing before calling the police. Lawmen took James to the hospital where he was treated and released after 24 hours.

He has since been charged with indecent assault and carnal abuse.