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Wambie Whoppers owner Eric Phu Soksan accused of sexual touching teenage boy

The owner of an iconic burger joint in Wamberal has appeared in Gosford Local Court over allegations of sexual touching.

Eric Phu Soksan has been charged with three counts of aggravated sexual touching. Picture: Peter Clark
Eric Phu Soksan has been charged with three counts of aggravated sexual touching. Picture: Peter Clark

The owner of Wambie Whoppers has been charged with sexual touching of a teenage boy.

Erik Phu Soksan, of Terrigal, was arrested on Thursday, March 5 at the well-known store on The Entrance Rd and charged with three counts of aggravated sexual touching without consent.

The 45-year-old appeared at Gosford Local Court this morning with his defence seeking a three week adjournment for further legal advice and instruction.

Mr Phu Soksan arrives at Gosford Local Court this morning. Picture: Fiona Killman
Mr Phu Soksan arrives at Gosford Local Court this morning. Picture: Fiona Killman

Police allege in charge sheets tendered to the court that between December 2018 and February 2020 Mr Phu Soksan “did sexually touch another person … on an ongoing basis in circumstances of aggravation”.

Mr Phu Soksan looked relaxed as he arrived at court with a takeaway drink.

Detectives from Brisbane Water Police District started an investigation last month, following reports a teenage boy had allegedly been inappropriately touched several times.

Wambie Whoppers, well known for its giant burger since the early 1990s, came to notoriety in 2013 when it had a run with burger giant Hungry Jacks.

Mr Phu Soksan pictured with a Wambie Whopper. Picture: Peter Clark
Mr Phu Soksan pictured with a Wambie Whopper. Picture: Peter Clark

Hungry Jack’s demanded the Central Coast shop stop using the ‘Whoppers’ in its name.

The community came in droves to support the iconic store and a Save Wambie Whopper Facebook page was set up by loyal customers.

Hungry Jacks eventually backed down and Mr Phu Soksan described it as a “fabulous win for everyone who supported us”.

He was granted bail and will appear at Gosford Local Court on March 31.

Wambie Whoppers was closed today.

Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/central-coast/wambie-whoppers-owner-eric-phu-soksan-accused-of-sexual-touching-teenage-boy/news-story/8dba10f52ee591c3d8fa929f568e9986