A Ballarat taxi driver accused of sexually touching a female passenger has been found not guilty after a contested hearing.
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Magistrate Hayley Bate handed down her decision to dismiss the charges due to insufficient evidence to support a conviction on Monday.
Police accused Umer Qureshi, 30, of hugging a female passenger and intentionally squeezing her buttocks in a sexual manner on February 8, 2020.
Police did not obtain available CCTV footage from the car.
Qureshi said he did not squeeze the woman on the buttocks but touched her on the lower back when they had a consensual hug.
He and his wife were cross-examined during the contested hearing on January 7, in addition to the police informant, the complainant and the complainant's husband.
The Chief Commissioner of Police was ordered to pay costs of $2,387 to the court.
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Rochelle Kirkham
Rochelle covers court and has a particular interest in social issues including homelessness, food security and family violence.
Rochelle covers court and has a particular interest in social issues including homelessness, food security and family violence.
