Accused wants to change sex assault plea

A Sydney restaurant owner who pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a woman after she got drunk and fell asleep at a party now wants to reverse his plea.

A Sydney restaurant owner who pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting and biting a woman after she got drunk and fell asleep at a party now wants to fight the charges against him.

Rattanan Premprasert is accused of assaulting the young woman after the party at his Thai restaurant, biting her genitals and performing oral sex on her as she tried to fight him off.

He had pleaded guilty to two counts of aggravated sexual assault causing grievous bodily harm in July last year.

But Premprasert indicated via a Thai interpreter on Friday that he wanted to change his plea to not guilty on both counts at the Downing Centre District Court.

According to a police statement of facts previously tendered in court, the woman got drunk at the party in March 2012 and fell asleep on the chair.

She allegedly woke to hear Premprasert tell a party-goer, "Leave (her) here. I will take care of her", before dimming the lights, pulling off her clothes and touching her.

It's alleged he continued until 6am when he told her "I will not disturb you any more".

The matter will return to court on February 28.


2 min read

Published

Updated

Source: AAP


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