An Australian cruise ship passenger accused of sexually assaulting a woman on a vessel bound for Dunedin has been allowed to leave New Zealand.
Sydney man Elias Azzi (23) appeared in the Dunedin District Court yesterday facing a charge of sexual violation, carrying a maximum prison term of 20 years.
He was previously granted bail to a central Dunedin hotel following his first appearance earlier this week, and yesterday Judge Michael Crosbie varied the conditions so he could return home to live with his family.He also imposed several other conditions on Azzi.
The New South Wales demolition worker was bailed to a Guildford address and can only leave the country to attend court hearings in New Zealand.
He was also barred from possessing or consuming alcohol or drugs, and will be required to report to the Merrylands police station three times a week.
Judge Crosbie said Azzi was not to contact the complainant or four witnesses.
According to court documents, the 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 the safety of guests and crew was its "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 is next due in the Dunedin District Court in March.A 33-year-old man, also arrested over an alleged sex attack related to a cruise ship docked in Dunedin, will appear in court next week.
The defendant’s previous court appearances have all been administratively adjourned thus far.
