Delivery driver Anilkumar Ponkiya pleads guilty to assault on woman
A Rose Park man who pushed a woman against a wall and kissed and hugged her against her will – because she looked happy – has faced court.
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A delivery man has faced court charged with pushing a woman up against a wall and hugging and kissing her against her will.
Anilkumar Ponkiya, 30, pleaded guilty – through an interpreter – to the February assault.
The Christies Beach Magistrates Court heard Ponkiya, of Rose Park, had gone to the victim’s Morphett Vale home to collect a couch that a friend had bought via Facebook.
A police prosecutor said the victim offered Ponkiya a cold bottle of water after he had loaded the couch and he then hugged and kissed her on the cheek. .
“The victim then told him to leave and was able to walk him out of the house,” he said.
“The victim says while standing outside Anil stood right in front of her and he chest pushed against the victims chest forcing the victim against the wall of the house.
“The victim then turned her face to the left and Anil kissed the victim on her right cheek.
“Anil had his left arm on her right shoulder, the victim could feel Anil’s breath and tongue on her right cheek.”
Defence lawyer Yasmin Faiyad told the court Ponkiya – who migrated to Australia from West India with his wife and works as a delivery driver – had hugged and kissed the woman because she looked happy.
“He was very apologetic for his actions, he has also indicated that he will never do anything like that ever again,” she said.
“It looked that she was very happy so he thought it was an innocent thing by giving her a hug and kiss but he understands that wasn’t appropriate.”
Magistrate Susan O’Connor reminded Ponkiya that someone being happy did not warrant physical contact.
“There are a lot of happy women, there are a lot of friendly woman and they’ve grown up in a culture where they know that they’re entitled to protection and to have their wishes followed,” she said.
“She did nothing in her friendliness for you to think she wanted physical contact.
“It is very concerning that having entered this place and found a friendly woman prepared to give you a cold drink that you took advantage of her.”
Ms O’Connor ordered Ponkiya serve a $500 18-month good behaviour bond.
No conviction was recorded.
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