Antony Catalano appears in Melbourne court, contests domestic‑violence charges
Australian media executive Antony Catalano, co‑owner of Australian Community Media and former Fairfax executive, appeared via video link at Melbourne Magistrates' Court on 1 July. He faces eight charges stemming from a March 13 assault on his wife, Stefanie Catalano, including intentional choking, strangling, suffocation, reckless injury, assault, false imprisonment and making threats to kill. The victim was left with a fractured tailbone and told police she was "pleading for her life".
Catalano’s defence lawyer, Tony Hargreaves, argued that intense media interest was harming his client’s mental health and secured permission for a video appearance. The counsel also sought to adjourn the matter until 16 October. Earlier, a bail variation allowed Catalano to reunite with his family in Byron Bay, a change not opposed by Victoria Police. Catalano has stated he will contest the charges in court.