Sharon Marley, daughter of reggae icon Bob Marley, yesterday appeared in the Family Court in Kingston to answer to a charge of cruelty to a child.

Marley, who was charged in connection with an incident involving a six-year-old child, had her bail extended until November 8 when she will reappear in court.

Her lawyer, Lawrence Haynes, was able to successfully apply that her travel documents be returned to her so that she will be able to travel outside the island. Christopher Townsend is representing the parents of the child.

Marley was charged after an incident which took place last Thursday at a school in St Andrew.

an uproar

It is not clear what transpired between Marley and the child who suffers from autism; however, police alleged that following an uproar, Marley held on to the child and took him inside a room.

Shortly afterwards, the police said the child was overheard screaming and when he emerged from the room, he was crying. The child is alleged to have had bite marks and other bruises The mother of the child subsequently filed a report with the Centre for the Investigation of Sexual Offences and Child Abuse.

Marley reportedly went to the police after the report was made and was charged with cruelty to the child. She was offered $30,000 station bail.