A MAN continues to face trial after allegedly sexually assaulting a teenage member of staff in an Irvine takeaway.

Bhupinder Singh, 29, is accused of sexually assaulting a female employee, who was then aged 17, at Sugar N Spice in Bourtreehill South, on February 15 last year.

Mr Singh was due to face court last week but the part heard trial had to be adjourned due to the fiscal being of ill health while Mr Singh was also absent from court.

The single charge claims he “did sexually assault a 17-year-old girl in the course of her employment there by attempting to kiss her, induce her to enter the rear of said premises, seize hold of her, push her against a wall, seize her leg, attempt to insert your hand under her lower clothing and intentionally direct sexual comments towards her”.

It’s claimed the accused “repeatedly made comments of a sexual nature” to the alleged victim.

When the case called last week [Friday, October 14], Sheriff Colin Bissett asked defence solicitor Connor Ledger why his client was not present, adding "Mr Singh was subject to a bail order and one of the conditions is that he attend court on dates given. 

He added: “It was not appropriate to tell Mr Singh he did not have to be here.”