Ken Zhang: Charges of sexually touching girl, 15, on 135 bus to Manly Wharf dropped

Ken Zhang, a retiree, has had charges of sexually touching a teenage girl on a bus headed to Manly Wharf dismissed.

Ken Zhang, 60, of Manly, outside Manly Court House earlier this year where he faced charges of allegedly indecently assaulting a teenage girl on a bus travelling to Manly Wharf. Picture: John Appleyard

A man accused of indecently assaulting a teenage girl on a northern beaches’ bus has had the charges dismissed in Manly Local Court.

Ken Zhang, 60, of Manly, had pleaded not guilty to touching the 15-year-old girl, he did not know, in a sexual way during an afternoon bus trip to Manly Wharf.

Ken Zhang, has had charges of sexually touching a 15-year-old girl dropped due to his mental illnesses. Picture: John Appleyard

Mr Zhang also allegedly sexually touched a woman on the 135 bus on December 17 last year, the court was told.

He had pleaded not guilty to one count of intentionally sexually touch a child (aged between 10 and 16 years) and one count of sexually touch another person without consent.

But in Manly Local Court on Monday the charges were dropped due to his mental health.

The court was told Mr Zhang had applied to have the charges dismissed because he was not fully aware of his actions.

Magistrate Michelle Goodwin heard that he suffers with Alzheimer’s disease as well as a number of other mental health issues.

Ms Goodwin said it was “abundantly apparent” that Mr Zhang was suffering a decline in his mental health and had difficulty with cognitive issues.

Police had alleged in court that just after 3pm, Mr Zhang got on the 135 bus in Addison Rd, Manly.

The girl was already on the bus.

Police alleged that when Mr Zhang boarded the bus he sat directly behind the girl.

After the girl moved towards the rear of the bus, Mr Zhang allegedly sexually touched her.