Chinese national Yuting Meng wins bail bid after being accused of rape

A 26-year-old Chinese national accused of rape has been released on bail after spending the night behind bars. Here’s what happened in court.

A 26-year-old Chinese national accused of rape has been released on bail after spending the night behind bars. Picture: NewsWire/ Gaye Gerard

A 26-year-old Chinese national accused of rape has been released on bail after spending the night behind bars.

Yuting Meng appeared via audiovisual link at Parramatta Bail Court while in custody at Surry Hills on Saturday, with family members attending court in support.

Meng is accused of having sexual intercourse without consent with a woman on Friday afternoon around 3.30pm.

Surry Hills police arrested the alleged offender less than an hour later, at 4.19pm.

Defence solicitor Hin sought his client’s release on bail under strict conditions, including surrendering his Chinese passport and being prohibited from entering any international airport or port of departure, as well as daily reporting to Ryde Police Station.

Under Meng’s bail conditions he is prohibited from entering or going within 5km of any escort or sex service premises.

Magistrate Michael Stoddart granted bail under those conditions, along with additional restrictions prohibiting Meng from entering or going within 5km of any escort or sex service premises, and preventing any contact with the alleged victim or prosecution witnesses.

Meng was released to reside in a house in Putney, while he awaits his next court appearance on August 21 at Downing Centre Local Court.