Man accused of ‘sexual act’ in Sydney’s Centennial Park

The man accused of performing a broad-daylight ‘sexual act’ in Sydney’s beloved Centennial Park this week has been released on bail.

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A homeless man accused of masturbating in broad daylight at Sydney’s idyllic Centennial Park has been released on bail.

Esam Mahmoud Hamed Bawaneh was arrested by police on Oxford St, Paddington on Monday afternoon, following an alleged “sexual act” in the heritage listed parklands.

Park rangers had notified police about 11.30am after a witness to the alleged lewd act raised the alarm.

It’s understood the alleged offence happened near Dickens Dr, an internal road that runs east-west through the heart of the park popular with families and tourists.

Esam Bawaneh has appeared in court charged with carrying out a sexual act in broad daylight.

Bawaneh was taken to Surry Hills police station and charged with one count of carry out sexual act toward another without consent.

He was refused bail and spent the night in custody before appearing at Central Local Court on Tuesday via audio visual link.

Appearing significantly older than the 36 years his age is listed as in court documents, Bawaneh wore a grey long-sleeved shirt and handcuffs, repeatedly shaking his head back and forth, as he listened in to proceedings in the courtroom.

Police say witnesses spotted the man in the act.

Magistrate Robert Williams heard a bail application on his behalf, which was not opposed by prosecutors even when conceding his alleged behaviour was “concerning”.

The location of the crude act was of particular concern, the court heard, as it raised the threat of repeat offending.

Despite telling police he was from Marrickville, the court heard Bawaneh was homeless and normally crashed in locations between the eastern suburbs and Sydney’s north shore.

The court heard he moved between Bondi and Chatswood where he accessed support services.

He also had endured struggles with drugs and alcohol issues in the past, the court heard.

Esam Bawaneh in happier times.

In granting bail Magistrate Williams said the police appeared to have a “strong case” but it was unlikely the charge would result in a full-time custodial sentence.

“Thank you,” Bawaneh said as he left the video link room at Surry Hills police centre.

Magistrate Williams ordered Bawaneh to undergo a merit assessment with Legal Aid on Thursday, November 14.

A plea might be entered on that day at Downing Centre Local Court.