Commonwealth Games lifter from Papua New Guinea faces sex assault charge

Glasgow: A weightlifter from Papua New Guinea who competed at the Commonwealth Games faces trial over an alleged sexual assault at a Glasgow supermarket.

The Glasgow Sheriff Court says Toua Udia pleaded not guilty and will go on trial Friday.

Police say the 22-year-old lifter was arrested after officers received a report of an incident last Monday at a supermarket near the athletes' village.

Udia was quoted as telling Australia's Fairfax media that "it was an accident. I don't want to spoil my reputation."

Commonwealth Games Federation chief executive Mike Hooper says the criminal case against Udia "certainly didn't impact on his ability to compete because there was no condition placed upon him."

Hooper adds "there is a presumption of innocence which we all enjoy."

Udia competed Sunday in the 77-kilogram division, finishing ninth.