Colombian national Juan Restrepo charged with sexually touching woman without consent at Splendour in the Grass festival

A Colombian national has faced a Byron Bay court charged with groping a woman without her consent at Splendour in the Grass music festival.

Juan Restrepo outside Byron Bay Courthouse

A Gold Coast man has appeared in a Byron Bay court denying groping a woman without her consent at this year’s Splendour in the Grass music festival.

On Monday, Juan Restrepo, a Colombian national on a student visa, faced Byron Bay Local Court.

The 40-year-old man living at Surfers Paradise pleaded not guilty to sexually touching another person without consent.

Police allege Mr Restrepo committed the offence about 9.30pm on July 21 – the first day of the 21st annual festival at North Byron Parklands.

Juan Restrepo, 40, has pleaded not guilty to sexual touching without consent

Police allege in court documents that Mr Restrepo “was rejected” by the woman “several times prior to his suggestive behaviour escalating”.

Officers alleged in court that Mr Restrepo said while being interviewed that he “could” have made contact with the woman’s body.

It’s also stated in the documents Mr Restrepo does not have a criminal history in Australia.

Splendour in the Grass. Photo: Danielle Smith

Police allege they have statements from the woman and two witnesses.

Mr Restrepo’s case has been adjourned to October 16.

He will require a Spanish translator during proceedings.