Simon Dunham: 50-year-old allegedly harassed passenger on Emirates flight from Dubai to Sydney

A man has denied an allegation he harassed another passenger on an international flight from Dubai to Sydney.

Sydney International Airport. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Dylan Coker

A man has denied an allegation he harassed another passenger on an international flight back to Sydney.

Simon Dunham, 50, was charged with an act of indecency without consent as his matter was mentioned at Downing Centre Local Court.

Dunham pleaded not guilty to the charge on Monday.

Australian Federal Police allege the 50-year-old man was travelling from Dubai to Sydney when he harassed a fellow passenger.

Court documents state the alleged offence was on board an Emirates flight in April and Dunham “did commit an act of indecency without consent” and if that act “had taken place in the Jervis Bay Territory” it would be an offence.

The AFP alleges the passenger alerted the airline crew to the incident, which then notified the police.

After the plane arrived at Sydney Airport, AFP officers investigated the claims and interviewed passengers along with airline crew.

The man attended the AFP office at Sydney Airport on June 10 and he was charged.

AFP acting Sydney Airport police commander Dom Stephenson said all travellers had the right to feel safe and shouldn’t be subjected to offensive behaviour.

“When travelling through the airport and when on a plane, people are bound by Australian law and where there is evidence that someone has committed a criminal offence, the AFP will take action,” he said.

“The AFP is committed to supporting airport staff and aviation partners and will continue to protect law-abiding Australians while maintaining zero tolerance for inappropriate behaviour.”

Dunham will return to the same court in September.