Antony Catalano appears via video link in Melbourne court on assault charges

Antony Catalano, 59, co‑owner of Australian Community Media, was charged with assault, false imprisonment and making threats to kill after police allege a drug‑fueled attack on his wife Stefanie on the night of 13 March. The incident reportedly involved Catalano dragging Stefanie by her hair and ankles through their Melbourne apartment, fracturing her coccyx, and attempting to swing a clothes iron at her. Catalano, who had recently completed a 28‑day rehabilitation program, asked the court to allow a remote appearance to avoid the intense media attention. Magistrate Nahrain Warda granted permission for him to appear via video link from his lawyer Tony Hargreaves’s office, located about 140 metres from the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court. During the hearing Catalano turned on his webcam, wore a black suit and navy tie, and sat stiffly at a desk; his wife also appeared online but without a video feed. He was granted bail and the case was adjourned to June. ACM placed Catalano on an indefinite leave of absence while the matter proceeds.