Asylum seeker loses bail bid
An asylum seeker accused of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl will remain behind bars in Sydney after a failed bid to secure bail.
Jayakodiarchige Appuhamy has been charged with aggravated sexual assault, allegedly committed in 2013, a year after he sought asylum in Australia.
The 25-year-old Sri Lankan man made an application for bail on Tuesday before his district court trial in September.
However, Supreme Court Justice Stephen Rothman found Appuhamy was an unacceptable flight risk.
Appuhamy's lawyer Mark Zaki said Appuhamy was initially living on a bridging visa but was now on a criminal justice stay certificate.
Mr Zaki said Appuhamy wanted to be free to prepare his defence for his trial.
The court heard Appuhamy's friend would put up a $2000 surety for his bail.
Despite Mr Zaki's assurance Appuhamy would agree not to approach any international departure points, Justice Rothman found his lack of community ties made the flight risk greater.
Justice Rothman said the crown case was relatively strong and there was some evidence Appuhamy knew the alleged victim was 15 at the time of the offence.
Appuhamy has pleaded not guilty.
