The man at the centre of an alleged assault in Adelaide's Gouger Street precinct was a no-show for his first appearance at the Adelaide Magistrate's Court today.
Lei Guo, 39, was charged with basic assault after a video emerged of him allegedly assaulting a 22-year-old employee of the Fun Tea bubble tea shop on Gouger Street.
In the video, a man is seen striking the woman across the face, then kicking her in the stomach leading to her falling to the ground and hitting her head.
The incident sparked protests about systemic wage theft and exploitation of international students in Gouger Street businesses.
Today, Mr Guo's lawyer told the court that his client had a medical certificate and was awaiting the results of a COVID-19 test.
The police prosecutor told the court he did not oppose Mr Guo being excused from attending on the basis of him being in quarantine.
Outside the court, Australian Eye Media director Keith Jin said Mr Guo's alleged actions had affected the Chinese community in Adelaide and overseas.
"It's very sad for the Chinese. Chinese [sic] is not supposed to be like that."
Mr Guo is yet to plead on the matter, and Magistrate Simon Smart adjourned the matter until July 10.
