Catalano Case to Continue: Prosecutors Press On with Alleged Domestic Violence Charges

Media mogul Antony Catalano has appeared in court for the first time since being charged with assaulting his wife, Stefanie, at their luxury apartment in St Kilda earlier this year. His defence barrister, Dermot Dann KC, says there are "grave difficulties" with elements of the police case against his client.

Catalano's Court Appearance

Mr Catalano, 59, made his first in-person court appearance on Friday, seven months after police laid charges. His lawyer said security footage from the St Kilda apartment would show Mr Catalano did not commit strangulation or attempt to strike his wife with a clothes iron.

"Mr Catalano and his wife are trying to pick up the pieces and put those pieces together," Mr Dann said. "He hasn't shut the door to that either."

Prosecutors to Continue with Case

Despite Mr Catalano's wife no longer wanting the case to proceed, prosecutors are continuing to press on with the charges, which include assault, false imprisonment, making threats to kill and recklessly causing injury. Barrister Jane Warren has been appointed to the case.

Ms Warren acknowledged there were "sensitive issues" at play and negotiations would continue between the parties.

Additional Charges Revealed

Documents released by the court on Friday revealed additional charges against Mr Catalano, which relate to the same March 13 incident. They include allegations he grabbed his wife's face, threw her into a wooden wardrobe and into a wall near a dining table.

Catalano's Background

Mr Catalano, the former head of a real estate listings company, was stood down from his position after charges were laid and released a public apology, admitting to problems with drugs and mental health. He also checked himself into rehab.

The case was adjourned until December 14. A magistrate agreed to vary Mr Catalano's bail further, allowing him to live in a new Byron Bay address and travel overseas if he notified police.