An Indian man convicted of indecency could soon have to forfeit the $10,000 he put up to secure bail.
Vastupal Pratapchand Ladhani (63), of Mumbai, grabbed the thigh of a beauty therapist who refused to give him ''extras''.
He pleaded guilty to one charge of committing an indecent act with intent to offend a person, on March 24 at a Wanaka hotel.
In April, Judge Michael Turner granted bail before sentencing and allowed Ladhani to return to India temporarily on the condition he lodged $10,000 with his solicitor and signed an irrevocable authority to pay that sum at the court's discretion.
Since then, Ladhani has supplied a medical certificate proving ill health, expected to last six to eight weeks.
He was granted an adjournment in May and another yesterday.
Prosecuting Sergeant Ian Collin questioned the ease with which one could obtain medical reports in some parts of the world.
Sgt Collin said the delays were prejudicial to the victim, who ''just wants to move on with things and get this behind her''.
Judge Christina Cook, at Queenstown District Court yesterday, granted a further adjournment to October 12.
Judge Cook said: ''If for that occasion, Mr Ladhani will be seeking a further remand consideration will be given to the release of funds held.
''Ms Surrey [defence counsel] will provide submissions with regard to that issue, if there is a suggestion of him not being present, by October 8, at 5pm. Copies to police, with regards to how the money could be distributed.''
Ladhani cannot be sentenced in his absence.
