9 hours ago
Canberra man accused of flashing and assaulting 12-year-old girl released on bail
A 47-year-old Canberra man arrested for allegedly exposing himself to a 12-year-old girl in a public place has been freed on bail.
Asanka Nanayakkara, a Sri Lankan national, is facing three charges including indecent assault, common assault and committing an act of indecency.
The alleged offences happened in April.
The girl told police she had been fishing in a pond at Bonner in Canberra's north when she saw a man she didn't know expose himself.
Police also alleged the man then sat next to the girl when he indecently assaulted her.
The alleged incident was reported at the time, but it took an extensive police investigation to identify and locate Mr Nanayakkara.
Police say he was arrested at his workplace on Friday when he was charged with the three offences.
In the ACT Magistrates Court, prosecutors opposed bail because of concerns there was a risk of reoffending, interference with evidence and that Mr Nanayakkara may not show up for court.
But while Mr Nanayakkara's lawyer described the alleged offences as "disturbing and bizarre", she said strict conditions could address any concerns.
The court heard Mr Nanayakkara had been living in his car, although he was working.
His manager had come to the court, and offered him a place to stay.
Chief Magistrate Lorraine Walker said the alleged crimes were very concerning.
But she agreed the planned conditions were sufficient to prevent problems.
Mr Nanayakkara has been banned from the suburb of Bonner, ordered to live with his employer and will have to surrender his passport.
The case will return to court in July.
