Paramalinkam Shanmugarajah was granted bail in Brisbane

An Uber driver who allegedly sexually assaulted a teenager as he drove her home in the early hours of the morning has been granted bail.

The Uber driver was charged with one count each of sexual assault and deprivation of liberty. File picture: JUSTIN SULLIVAN / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / AFP)

An Uber driver who allegedly sexually assaulted a teenager as he drove her home in the early hours of the morning has been granted bail.

Paramalinkam Shanmugarajah, 41, of Inala, who is contesting the allegations is charged with one count each of sexual assault and deprivation of liberty – unlawfully detain/confine stemming from alleged events on Sunday April 14.

Police will allege he picked up a 19-year-old woman in Fortitude Valley about 1.30am with two male passengers already in the vehicle.

After dropping the males off and stopping at a 7/11 where he bought the girl an ice-cream, police will allege he began stroking her hair during the ride.

It’s further alleged he tried to grab her breast several times during the trip however the girl pushed away his hand each time.

When the car stopped near the drop off location police will allege the girl unlocked the door however Shanmugarajah immediately locked it again.

It’s alleged he grabbed her arm and tried to pull her closer to him. According to police, the girl unlocked the door and Shanmugarajah allegedly tried to lock it again but the complainant was able to get out.

Police will allege he tried to grab her as she alighted.

The girl hid behind a nearby car until he left the area, police allege.

Shanmugarajah’s matter was mentioned in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Tuesday where lawyer Kristy Bell, of Bell Criminal Lawyers, applied for bail which was not opposed by police if conditions were imposed.

Ms Bell said her client had been removed from the Uber app.

“It is contested, but it may resolve to a submission without the need to be transferred to the (Director of Public Prosecutions) office,” she said.

Shanmugarajah was granted bail by Magistrate Peter Saggers with conditions including he not work as a share ride or taxi driver, not contact the girl and report once a week to police.

It was adjourned to July 17.