Antony Catalano appears in Melbourne court over violence charges

Media executive and ACM co-owner Antony Catalano appeared in person at the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Friday, October 16, for the first time since his arrest in March. He faces multiple charges, including intentionally choking, strangling, or suffocating a woman, assault, false imprisonment, and making threats to kill.

Police allege the incident occurred at the couple’s St Kilda penthouse, involving an alleged hour-long attack where Catalano brandished a clothes iron and dragged his wife, Stefanie Catalano, by her hair. Stefanie Catalano, who watched the proceedings remotely, has reportedly submitted a statement of no complaint and does not support the prosecution proceeding.

Defense barrister Dermot Dann, KC, requested more time as negotiations continue with the prosecution, describing the matter as an “unusual and delicate legal and family situation.” The defense has indicated intentions to challenge several of the charges.