A man accused of sexually assaulting a woman on an international flight has been banned from leaving Australia while his court case is ongoing.
Asanka Mathew Podiappuhamilage, 41, appeared in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court with an interpreter and two supporters. He was charged after being arrested at Melbourne Airport on December 18, following a complaint from another passenger on a flight from Sri Lanka to Australia.
Police allege Mr. Podiappuhamilage committed an act of indecency during the flight. If convicted, he could face up to seven years in prison.
He first appeared in court the day after the alleged incident, where he was granted bail under strict conditions. These include surrendering his passport, staying within the state, reporting to police three times a week, and following a home curfew.
In court, his lawyer requested a change in his bail conditions to allow him to live alone in Glen Waverley. The prosecutor did not oppose the request CCTV Evidence
Police will provide the evidence, including CCTV footage, to his defence by January 30. His next court appearance is scheduled for mid-March.
An Australian Federal Police officer emphasized that all travellers have the right to feel safe while flying and that Australian law applies to everyone on flights and in airports. The AFP has a zero-tolerance policy for inappropriate behaviour.
