Simone Vartolo faces court on assault, intimidation charges
A 31-year-old personal trainer, who describes himself as a male model and massage therapist, has denied allegations he intimidated and harassed a young woman on an Illawarra beach.
Illawarra Star
Don't miss out on the headlines from Illawarra Star. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Man refused bail after allegedly stabbing neighbour
- Man at centre of dramatic siege asks if unborn baby is okay
A 31-year-old personal trainer has denied claims he harassed a young woman in the Illawarra, rejecting reports he approached and made inappropriate comments toward her.
Simone Vartolo faced Port Kembla Local Court for the first time on Wednesday, after a Facebook post about his alleged behaviour toward a Wollongong woman, 20, went viral last month.
In the post, the woman alleged Vartolo “harassed her” at Port Kembla Beach in the early hours of September 26.
Police will allege Vartolo, who works as a personal trainer in Wollongong and claims to be a massage therapist and male model, made inappropriate comments toward the woman and hugged her without consent.
At 12.30pm the same day, police will allege another woman was approached by Vartolo at Wollongong Railway Station where he allegedly engaged in inappropriate conversation and behaviour with her.
After the alleged victim’s post went viral, officers from Lake Illawarra Police District began investigating reports of the alleged approaches in the Port Kembla and Wollongong areas, arresting Vartolo at his Port Kembla home on September 28.
Police charged Vartolo with assault and intimidation and released him on bail before his first appearance at court on Wednesday.
Vartolo was flanked by his mother at court on October 9, where he plead not guilty to the intimidation and common assault charges.
Vartolo will return to court on November 20, where its expected extra charges will be laid against him.
IN OTHER NEWS
