Australian media mogul Antony Catalano to move overseas with family amid assault allegations, court told
An Australian media boss accused of attacking his wife has fronted court as he fights the allegations.
Media mogul Antony Catalano is planning to relocate overseas with his family amid a court case over allegations he attacked his wife.
The 59-year-old businessman appeared at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Friday morning flanked by three lawyers; Dermot Dann KC, Tony Hargreaves, and Conor O’Bryan.
His attendance marked the first time he had appeared in person following his release on bail after he was excused from attending previous court hearings due to concerns the “throng of media” could affect his mental health.
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Police allege he detained her in the apartment, threatened her life, choked her and assaulted her with a clothing iron.
She allegedly fled the apartment and was found nearby by a motorist in a state of extreme distress, while Mr Catalano was arrested the same day wearing a pair of torn underwear.
The wealthy media owner is charged with eight offences, including recklessly causing injury, unlawful imprisonment and assault.
In court, Mr Dann said there were efforts under way to resolve the case, including by the possible withdrawal of all charges.
Mr Dann said his client’s wife “doesn’t want the charges to proceed in any way, shape or form”.
“Mr Catalano and his wife are trying to pick up the pieces and put those pieces back together,” he said.
Mr Dann said his client hadn’t “shut the door” on a plea to resolve the case and “avoid the trauma” of a full hearing.
He also argued allegations Mr Catalano had strangled his wife and swung an iron at her head weren’t backed up by CCTV footage from the night in question.
“The position, of course, is maybe all, if not all a vast majority, of those (charges) will no longer proceed,” he said.
Prosecutor Jane Warren told the court there were “meaningful discussions still progressing” and supported Mr Dann’s request for an adjournment.
“We need some time to keep working in the background as we are at the moment,” she said.
“There are sensitivities around this matter, Mr Dann has already spoken about the position of the complainant … it’s something that needs to be taken into account by the prosecution.”
Mr Catalano’s bail was also varied to list his primary residence as a place in Byron Bay by magistrate Donna Bakos.
Mr Dann also flagged the family was in the “the process of relocating overseas” prior to Mr Catalano’s next court appearance, and he would “be spending significant time overseas”.
Mr Catalano is a co-owner of media group Australian Community Media and stood down from his role as chairman after the alleged events.
He was released on bail after his arrest to attend a drug-rehabilitation facility, where he spent 28 days.
Mr Catalano will next appear in court on December 14.
In a public statement released by Mr Catalano on March 14, he said he was “deeply ashamed and humiliated” by the alleged incident.
“I know that my actions have caused hurt and concern for others, including the woman involved, my family, friends, colleagues and the many people connected to the businesses I have been privileged to lead,” he said.
“On the advice of my lawyers I will not be commenting further while the matter is before the courts.”
