An Australian was cleared today of molesting a purchasing officer along a side road of Boat Quay.

Mr Kevin Francis D'arcy, 59, had the matter compounded after he had placed a public apology in The Straits Times last Saturday.

In the notice, he apologised to the woman for the unfortunate incident on Aug 31 last year. He had apparently touched her bottom. He stated that he had no excuse for causing any offence and unnecessary emotional distress and he regretted it.

The woman told reporters that she was prepared to give him a chance since he was willing to publish an apology in the papers. She said she had gone clubbing with her sister and her sister's boyfriend that day.

Mr D'arcy, who has more than three decades of broadcasting and media experience, said he just wanted to move on.

The maximum punishment for outrage of modesty is two years' jail, fine and caning.