Acoustic Logic Consultancy managing director Matthew Palavidis, 63, appeared in Waverley Local Court on Friday, after pleading not guilty to sexually touching a cocktail waitress without consent and common assault during a lunch at Mimi’s, a Merivale-owned venue, on March 17, 2023.
The court heard allegations that Palavidis referred to “his present” before allegedly pulling the strings of the waitress’s corset-style top, causing it to come undone.
A manager testified that the waitress appeared “physically shaking and crying” afterward, saying she “froze in the moment” and left the table visibly distressed.
The manager said he did not ask if the waitress’s breasts were exposed, believing it inappropriate, but noted she “felt violated.”
Palavidis, described as a well-known VIP patron, was reportedly agitated upon arrival over not being seated at his usual table.
Under cross-examination, Palavidis’ barrister Paul McGirr questioned the manager’s memory and highlighted omissions in his initial police statement.
He also criticised the police’s handling of the case, citing delays and attempted introduction of new evidence, and suggested there had “possibly” been threats made to the Merivale group.
Two women dining with Palavidis testified they did not witness the alleged incident and had never met him prior to that day. Both said they would have spoken up if they had seen such behaviour.
The hearing is ongoing.
Source: Daily Telegraph.
