to sexually assaulting his daughter.

Puisne Judge Norma Wade-Miller said she would need a psychiatric report before sentencing the man who is separated from the child's mother.

And Mrs. Justice Wade-Miller asked the Press to avoid identifying the man or his daughter in any way.

The man -- who cannot be named for legal reasons -- admitted the charge of committing sexual assault on the girl between January 1 and May 7 last year.

He denied a charge of sexual exploitation of a young person while in a position of trust by touching her vagina with his hand between those dates.

Crown counsel Patrick Doherty said the man picked up his daughter from school, took her to the Ft. Scaur Park and inserted his finger into her vagina.

The girl could recall five occasions on which this happened and said the man would question her about the way boys behaved at her school.

She told her aunt about the assaults on May 6. Mr. Doherty said the man denied most of the allegations but did admit he took his daughter to have her hymen examined.

Investigating officer Loucetta Beckles said it was clear alcohol played a role in the offences and the man had been cooperative and remorseful.

The girl's mother said her daughter adored her father, adding that the assaults had not affected her. The girl has had three months of counselling.

"He was a good father,'' she said. "If she's upset, that has to do with her father leaving. She's always asking where is her father.'' Lawyer Tyrone Chin began the session by asking that the Press be muzzled in the "unique'' case.

"We ask for the strongest reporting restrictions or ban all reporting in this matter,'' Mr. Chin said. "People in Bermuda can put two and two together. We have already seen some repercussions.'' Mrs. Justice Wade-Miller spoke directly to The Royal Gazette reporter and said: "I certainly don't want to cut the freedom of the Press.'' She added: "I'm sure you can write this in such a way so that the person is not identified in any way possible?'' Mr. Chin said his client took issue with the facts as presented by the prosecution but said: "We suggest a lengthy period of probation and a short, sharp, shock incarceration.'' And speaking to the defendant, Mrs. Justice Wade-Miller said: "Obviously this is diabolical, alcohol related, and a one-off situation. I would like to know more about the man, more than what is in the social inquiry report.'' Mrs. Justice Wade-Miller adjourned the case until February 19 when she will see a psychiatric report prepared by the Government sex crime expert.

She concluded: "This is a sad, sad case. You had no right touching that child. I can't say there won't be a term of imprisonment, but I have asked for a psychiatric exam.''