Malaysian diplomat appears in court

Malaysian diplomat Muhammed Rizalman leaving a previous court appearance. Photo / Mark Mitchell

A former Malaysian High Commission staffer accused of assaulting a Wellington woman has made a brief appearance in court today.

Muhammad Rizalman bin Ismail, 38, appeared at Wellington District Court this morning, charged with burglary and assault with intent to commit sexual violation.

The charges relate to events that allegedly happened at a home in the Wellington suburb of Brooklyn in May last year.

Today, one of Rizalman's bail conditions was varied.

Following Rizalman's arrest on May 10 last year, New Zealand asked Malaysia to waive diplomatic immunity but on May 22 Rizalman left the country after a mix-up between officials.

At the end of June the case was made public and an inquiry began over how the diplomat was allowed to leave.

Malaysia confirmed on July 2 last year that Rizalman would be returned to New Zealand, and he arrived back in the country in late October.

Rizalman has been remanded on bail until his next appearance in April.