Malaysian diplomat trial begins in November

Muhammad Rizalman bin Ismail has been charged with burglary and assault with intent to commit sexual violation. Photo / Mark Mitchell

A former Malaysian High Commission staffer accused of assaulting a Wellington woman will face trial in November.

Muhammad Rizalman bin Ismail, 38, has been 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, it was confirmed a trial had been set down for November in the High Court at Wellington.

Following his 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 now remains on bail.