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Mr Hammer
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Yet again another passenger has been sexually assaulted and once again, by an Indian.
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AN Indian taxi driver has been charged with sexually assaulting a female passenger after picking her up in his cab from a Brisbane city bar early on Friday.
Police alleged the driver, instead of taking the drunk woman to her Fortitude Valley home, drove her to Wellington St, Kangaroo Point, lifted her on to the ground and attacked her.
Brisbane Magistrates' Court yesterday was told the woman, 27, struggled with the driver before escaping half-naked and called a friend to come to her assistance.
The man, 20, arrived in Australia from India in March and has worked as a Brisbane taxi driver since July, the court was told.
The man was charged with sexual assault, assault with intent to rape and deprivation of liberty.
"These are very serious charges on an intoxicated female, many of whom get cabs home after a night out," Magistrate Graham Lee said.
Police prosecutor Acting Senior Sergeant Rob Lamason strenuously opposed bail, telling the court there was CCTV footage showing the taxi ride and the man lying on top of the woman at the scene of the alleged offences.
Sen Sgt Lamason said the woman, 27, had been drinking with friends at the Down Under Bar in the city until 3am before hailing a taxi to take her home.
During the journey the woman, who had been affected by alcohol, asked the driver why he was taking her across the Story Bridge, away from her home, Sen Sgt Lamason said.
The officer said the woman claimed that the cab turned off at Kangaroo Point and the next thing she knew she was lying on her back on the ground, with her skirt around her knees and the driver on top of her, with his jeans pulled down.
The woman struggled to her feet and walked off, only then noticing that she did not have on her skirt, underwear or shoes, the court heard.
Sen Sgt Lamason said the man was a flight risk, as he had few ties to Australia.
The man, who is studying hospitality in Brisbane, was being financially supported by family in India, the court heard.
Defence lawyer Kyna Morice said the man would stop working as a cab driver and would contest the charges.
The man was released on bail, provided he surrender his passport and taxi licence, among other conditions.
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