Wollongong shop owner accused of touching women’s breasts, buttocks
The owner of a well-known specialty supermarket in Wollongong has appeared in court, after allegedly assaulting three of his female customers.
Illawarra Star
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An Illawarra grocery store owner has denied allegations he “caressed” one woman’s breasts and “squeezed” another’s buttocks, after they entered his well-known specialty store in the centre of Wollongong.
Owner of the Illawarra Persian Hub, 68-year-old Mansoor Mehrkhavari faced Wollongong Local Court for the first time on Tuesday, after he was accused of touching the breasts and buttocks of two women, and trying to kiss another.
The Crown Street shopkeeper was charged with two counts of indecent assault and sexually touch another person without consent on October 28, after a Facebook post about the alleged incidents went viral.
According to court documents, all three of the reported incidents, which occurred between 2016 and 2019, took place at Mehrkhavari’s store while the women were the only customers inside.
Police will allege the first incident occurred in September 2016, when a 40-year-old woman entered Mehrkhavari’s store. The 68-year-old is accused of grabbing the woman’s buttocks and “squeezing”.
The second alleged incident took place in April 2018, when Mehrkhavari “caressed” a 17-year-old girl “around the breast region” inside the store.
The most recent incident allegedly occurred on October 10, when a 24-year-old woman entered the store. Police will allege Mehrkhavari grabbed the woman and tried to kiss her “on and around her face”.
Following the alleged incident, the woman made a post on social media, which prompted police to launch an investigation into Mehrkhavari’s alleged behaviour.
Officers attached to Wollongong Police District arrested him at the Illawarra Persian Hub on October 25, before charging him and releasing him on strict conditional bail.
The 68-year-old was supported by his son during the appearance on Tuesday, and entered pleas of not guilty to all three of the charges.
Outside court, Mehrkhavari refused to comment on the allegations. He will return to court in January next year.