Bail for man who shot teenager in the street

George Zimmerman can be released on $150,000 (£93,000) bail as he awaits trial for the shooting death of Trayvon Martin, a judge ruled yesterday.

During the hearing in Florida, neighbourhood watchman Zimmerman apologised to Martin’s parents for the teenager’s death.

Zimmerman’s lawyer said he wants his client to be allowed to live in another state because of threats made against him, and wear a GPS monitor to track him.

Zimmerman, 28, is charged with second-degree murder in the 26 February shooting of the 17-year-old Mr Martin. He claims self-defence.

Wearing a charcoal suit, white shirt and gray tie – but also appearing to have on a bulletproof vest – Zimmerman took the witness stand to deliver a short statement to Mr Martin’s parents, who were in court.

“I wanted to say I am sorry for the loss of your son. I did not know how old he was. I thought he was a little bit younger than I am. I did not know if he was armed or not,” he said.