'China's Hugh Jackman' denied bail over alleged Sydney sexual assault

A Chinese actor, described as the "Hugh Jackman of China", has been denied bail following an alleged sexual assault in Sydney.

Yunxiang Gao

Actor Yunxiang Gao performs onstage during the Shanghai Dragon TV New Year's Eve gala on December 31, 2017. Source: Getty

A Chinese movie star has been denied bail following an alleged sexual assault in Sydney.

Yunxiang Gao, 36, will remain behind bars after his appeal for bail was denied at Sydney's Central Local Court on Tuesday.

The actor pleaded not guilty to two counts of sexual assault, following an alleged incident involving a 36-year-old woman at Sydney's Shangri La hotel on March 27.

Another man, 35, was charged over the alleged incident.

Magistrate Sharon Freund refused bail based on the seriousness of the allegations, which carry a maximum sentence of life in prison.

Bodyguards surround Yunxiang Gao as he arrives at court on April 10, 2018 in Sydney, Australia.
Bodyguards surround Yunxiang Gao as he arrives at court on April 10, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. Source: Getty

"The facts alleged against Mr Gao by the prosecution make a very sobering read," she said.

Gao's lawyer argued that his client, who he referred to as "the Hugh Jackman of China", would be happy to comply to strict bail conditions.   

The court heard that the alleged victim contacted police immediately following the incident and that bruises were found on her legs.

The court room was "absolutely at capacity" during the hearing, the NSW Justice department told the ABC. 

A scrum of Chinese journalists were forced to wait outside of the court room due to the lack of space, and there were even reports of scuffles between reporters for access to the room. 

The case continues.


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Source: SBS News



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