An Australian cruise ship passenger accused of sexually assaulting a woman on a vessel bound for Dunedin will remain in New Zealand for now.
Sydney man Elias Azzi (23) appeared in the Dunedin District Court yesterday facing a charge of sexual violation, which carries a maximum prison term of 20 years.
According to court documents, the alleged attack took place between Tauranga and Dunedin on January 3.
It was alleged to have happened on the 168,666-tonne Ovation of the Seas, the largest cruise ship to visit New Zealand, Royal Caribbean Cruises confirmed.
In a statement, the company said it could not comment on the issue in detail because the case was before the court.
"The safety of our guests and crew is our highest priority.
"When one of our guests reported an alleged sexual assault on board Ovation of the Seas we contacted the New Zealand police and we are co-operating fully with their investigations,'' it said.
Azzi, a New South Wales demolition worker, was allowed bail by Judge Michael Crosbie but must remain in a city hotel until his next court appearance on Friday.
He was ordered to abstain from alcohol or drugs while on bail, to surrender his passport to police and to report to the central station tomorrow and Friday.
Judge Crosbie also said Azzi was not to contact the complainant or four witnesses.
Last month, a 33-year-old man was arrested over an alleged sex attack related to a cruise ship docked in Dunedin.
He was charged with rape and sexual violation by unlawful sexual connection over the December 12 incident.
The defendant's court appearances have all been administratively adjourned thus far.
He is scheduled to appear again next week.
