UNSW 'naughty Acrobat' case dismissed

The Federal Court has dismissed claims that a University of New South Wales student was sexually harassed by a researcher who promised to install Acrobat Reader on her computer.

The incident in question took place in late 2001, when Hong Cui Huang allegedly sought help to download software that would enable her to read research documents.

Huang alleged that UNSW graduate Fuchun Xiao initially agreed to help her install the software, but "was very rude and intentionally showed her unwelcome pictures on the computer screen".

Justice Anna Judith Katzmann yesterday dismissed the case, which was first introduced in April 2005 and sparked a string of appeals.

"In this matter, the court orders that the appeal be dismissed," Justice Katzmann announced, also closing the book on related notices of motion filed in May and July this year.

Justice Katzmann made no order on costs.

The judgement was attended by Xiao, who said the case had "lasted too long" and was a "waste [of] time".