An Indian taxi driver has been arrested while trying to board a flight out of Australia less than two days after allegedly sexually assaulting a female passenger and stealing her engagement ring.
Satinder Satinder, 28, required a Hindi interpreter as he faced Melbourne Magistrate’s Court via video link on Thursday charged with 15 counts of sexual assault and one of theft.
Satinder was arrested at Tullamarine Airport’s international terminal on June 29, with police acting earlier than anticipated to stop him leaving the country, the Herald Sun reported.
Police allege Satinder picked up a woman from Collins St in Melbourne’s CBD at 3.30am on June 27 and sexually assaulted her during the 45-minute trip to Wantirna South before stealing her engagement ring.
The alleged offences were captured on the taxi’s in-car camera, the court heard.
Prosecutors told the court more charges could be laid after the complainant had given a statement, which she has been unable to do due to interstate travel.
Satinder, who lives in Thomastown but is now in custody in Melbourne Assessment Prison, will face court again on July 18.
His defence lawyer told the court he was aware that Thursday’s hearing was an adjournment to allow police time to take a statement from the alleged victim.
