‘Told him she was 15’: Panania man denied bail for alleged sexual offence
A 29-year-old Sydney man has faced court after allegedly sexually touching a teenager on a train who told him she was 15.
The Express
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A 29-year-old Sydney man has faced court after allegedly sexually touching a teenager on a train who told him she was 15.
Walid Cheaib, of Panania, allegedly groped the 17-year-old while on a train in Strathfield on March 31.
He was charged with one count of sexually touching without consent, and applied for bail in Bankstown Local Court on Tuesday.
Police prosecutor Jay Hong opposed bail for Cheaib, noting his history of breaching court orders when on bail for other matters.
“He approached the victim in this matter. She informed the applicant that she was 15,” Mr Hong said.
“The truth of the matter is that she was 17. It doesn’t make it much better.”
A Legal Aid lawyer representing Cheaib told the court there was a witness that would be supporting the case against his client.
“Nevertheless, he is going to submit a plea of not guilty,” the Legal Aid lawyer said.
“He does have strong community ties, resides with mother and sister, and tells me he is close with them both.”
Cheaib’s lawyer offered multiple bail conditions, including that his client not use any form of public transport while his case is before the courts.
Magistrate Glenn Walsh told the court Cheaib’s relationship with his mother and sister had not stopped him from offending before, noting his 32-page criminal record dating back 10 years.
“As the facts are supported by CCTV footage, the complainant, and another witness, I would assess the objective seriousness is strong,” Mr Walsh said.
“The manner in which the alleged offending occurred, a train, a public place, in circumstances where in the prosecution case clearly was not giving any consent or contact whatsoever is important to bear in mind.”
Mr Walsh denied Cheaib’s bail application, citing his record of breaching court orders, sexual offences, fraud offences, and matters of violence.
“In short, over the last 10 years he has not complied,” Mr Walsh said.
“There is no way that I could find that there are any reasonable grounds to believe that any condition I impose will be complied with.”
Cheaib is next set to appear in Burwood Local Court on August 3.
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