Taxi driver accused of assaulting woman, stealing ring
A taxi driver accused of sexually assaulting a woman during a 45-minute trip from Melbourne's city centre has fronted court.
Satinder Satinder, 28, appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Thursday via video link from prison.
It is believed Satinder picked up the 30-year-old woman from Collins Street about 3.30am on June 27.
He then allegedly sexually assaulted her for the duration of her 35km ride to Wantirna South.
It is understood he also allegedly stole the woman's engagement ring from her finger during the trip.
Satinder was arrested at Melbourne International Airport about 2.30pm on June 29 and remanded in custody.
He has been charged with 15 counts of sexual assault and one count of theft.
The prosecutor told the court police were yet to obtain a statement from the alleged victim as she had travelled interstate.
She said that statement would be obtained on Tuesday and prosecutors would advise whether the charges should be uplifted.
The prosecutor sought an adjournment so those processes could take place.
Satinder's lawyer Michael Haralambous did not oppose the adjournment but asked for the case to be expedited as his client was in custody.
Magistrate Leon Fluxman remanded Satinder in custody to return to court on July 18.
