Man denies committing indecent act on Emirates flight from Dubai to Sydney

A man has pleaded not guilty to committing an act of indecency on-board an international flight from Dubai to Sydney.

Simon Dunham, 50, was travelling on an Emirates flight from the United Arab Emirates to Sydney on April 27 when he allegedly harassed a fellow passenger.

Prosecutors allege he committed an act of indecency on the traveller without their consent about midnight.

The passenger alerted the flight crew who informed the Australian Federal Police who met the aircraft when it touched down in Sydney.

AFP officers interviewed passengers and the flight crew before issuing Mr Dunham with a future court attendance notice.

The 50-year-old was represented by a lawyer for the first mention of his case in Sydney Downing Centre Local Court on Monday.

She told the court her client pleaded not guilty to committing an act of indecency without consent.

The court was told the matter would be prosecuted by the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions.

The deputy registrar ordered the brief of evidence to be served on Mr Dunham’s lawyer by August 20 before the matter returns to court in September.

If convicted of the offence, Mr Dunham faces up to seven years imprisonment.

AFP Acting Sydney Airport Police Commander Dom Stephenson said travellers should not be subjected to offensive behaviour.

“When travelling through the airport and when on a plane, people are bound by Australian law and where there is evidence that someone has committed a criminal offence, the AFP will take action,” he said.

“The AFP is committed to supporting airport staff and aviation partners and will continue to protect law-abiding Australians while maintaining zero tolerance for inappropriate behaviour.”