A male prison worker has been charged with intruding upon the privacy of a woman and assaulting her in central Hamilton. Michael Brangman, 22, faces the allegations in relation to an incident involving Elaina Nelson on Front Street on Sunday September 13.

According to the charges, Brangman alarmed, insulted or offended Ms Nelson as a result of his actions, and caused her bodily harm.

No further details were given by prosecutor Nicole Smith.

Brangman, of Wyndham Hill, Hamilton Parish, pleaded not guilty. Defence lawyer Llewellyn Peniston asked for him to be bailed. He described him as a man of "unblemished character" who holds "a responsible job as part of the prison service".

Asked after the hearing whether Brangman had been suspended from his role, Commissioner of Corrections Edward Lamb said: "I am indeed aware of the matter in the courts involving one of our new recruits, Mr. Michael Brangman. I have conducted a preliminary interview with him and have deferred any action pending additional information emanating from the court proceedings."

Senior Magistrate Archibald Warner granted Brangman $2,000 bail, and set December 17 as the date for his trial.