Masterchef contestant charged with teen sex assault

The West Australian Masterchef contestant Ben Ungermann was charged with two sex offences against a 16-year-old girl while filming for the show was underway in Melbourne. Speculation about

his mystery disappearance from episodes of the show has been swirling since early this year when it first emerged that he was destined to make a sudden departure. Victorian detectives from

the sexual crime squad and the child abuse investigation team charged the 36-year-old on March 6 following an incident on February 23. The alleged victim is a 16-year-old girl. RELATED:

MASTERCHEF ADDRESSES ARREST OF CONTESTANT BEN UNGERMANN IN AWKWARD MOMENT Victoria Police confirmed the arrest in a statement: “The arrest follows an investigation into an alleged sexual

assault in Docklands on 23 February. A 36-year-old Queensland man has been charged with two counts sexual assault.” At the time of his arrest a Masterchef spokesman confirmed he had left the

show. “As this is a police matter, we will not be making further comment,” But in a pre-recorded episode aired on Sunday, viewers were able to see how his awkward absence was dealt with by

the judges. “So, before we get to today’s challenge, we’ve got some news. You’re probably wondering where Ben is, yeah?” judge Jock Zonfrillo said to the remaining contestants. “Due to a

personal matter, Ben has had to leave the competition and he will not be returning.” Despite the charges and his departure from the show, Ungermann has continued to be active on social

media. Just weeks after the charges were laid he posted what was thought to be an engagement announcement. Yesterday, he posted a throwback picture with his manager saying he was looking

forward to more adventures. Ungermann, who is yet to speak publicly about the charges, is due to appear before the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on June 25. GET THE LATEST NEWS FROM

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