A taxi driver was arrested attempting to board a flight to India after he allegedly sexually assaulted a Melbourne woman throughout a 45-minute trip before and stole her engagement ring.
The 28-year-old appeared in Melbourne’s Magistrate’s Court today charged with 15 counts of sexual assault and one count of theft.
Police allege he sexually assaulted a 30-year-old woman throughout a 45-minute trip from Collins Street to Wantirna South 3.30am on June 27.
They allege he also stole an engagement ring from her finger.
The court heard today that 35 hours after the assault he was trying to board a plane to India at Melbourne Airport.
It also heard the entire alleged incident was recorded on CCTV cameras from inside the taxi.
Prosecutors said they are yet to receive a formal statement from the victim, who is interstate.
Police could appeal to have the charges upgraded once the statement is lodged.
The man was remanded in custody to reappear in court later this month.