Dion Schembri: Shop owner allegedly kissed, sucked on teen’s neck

An elderly Gippsland creep allegedly kissed and sucked on a teen’s neck then slapped her as she fled his shop.

Dion Schembri faced Latrobe Valley Magistrates’ Court. Picture: Generic

An old, creepy man allegedly kissed and sucked on a teenager’s neck then slapped her as she fled his shop.

Dion Schembri appeared via video link at Latrobe Valley Magistrates’ Court after he was charged with sexual assault and unlawful assault.

The court heard the victim, a young woman, allegedly visited his shop on November 30, 2019.

The accused, who was 78 at the time, grabbed the victim by the wrists and pulled her behind a curtain in the kitchen area of the shop.

The young woman allegedly said “No, I don’t want this” but the accused ignored her and kissed and sucked on her neck.

The victim pushed away from the accused and told him she didn't want it again.

Schembri allegedly then slapped the woman on the butt as she fled the shop.

Schembri allegedly followed the victim and said “I know you want to” and attempted to grab her arms and pull them towards him.

The victim tried to stop him but the accused managed to grab her by the wrists tightly.

The victim later told her mum what happened and reported it to police.

During a police interview, Schembri made no comment and said “I’ll sooner wait for court, see what happens at court”.

The Rawson man was represented by lawyer Tim Harvey.

Magistrate Jacinta Studham said the victim was “so vulnerable”.

The matter was adjourned until September 9 at Latrobe Valley Magistrates’ Court.