Antony Catalano Denies Assault Allegations, Seeks Plea Deal

Media mogul Antony Catalano, 59, has denied swinging a clothes iron at his wife and attempting to strangle her, as he seeks a plea deal over domestic violence assault charges. Catalano is accused of a drug-affected assault on his wife, Stefanie, at their Melbourne penthouse on March 13, during which he allegedly held an iron to her head and dragged her by her hair.

Stefanie Catalano has stopped cooperating with Victoria Police and has lodged a statement of no complaint, indicating she no longer wishes the prosecution to proceed. Her lawyer informed Melbourne Magistrates' Court that she is liaising with the Office of Public Prosecutions on her behalf. She has also filed a police ethical standards complaint regarding her treatment since her husband's arrest, alleging authorities sought to 'destroy' him.

Catalano's legal team, led by barrister Dermot Dann, KC, has challenged the police's allegations. Dann stated that CCTV footage, which is part of the police case, may not be admissible and that viewing it demonstrates that allegations such as strangulation and swinging an iron at his wife did not occur.

"There are charges that we have grave difficulty with," Dann told the court. "There's an allegation of strangling that we say in simple viewing of the CCTV demonstrates (it never happened). There's an allegation that's been widely reported of swinging an iron at his wife's head. We say the same thing: Look at the CCTV; didn't happen."

Dann described the legal situation as "unusually delicate" and indicated his client wishes to avoid the associated drama and time by either having the charges withdrawn or exploring a plea. "From our client's point of view, he certainly wants to avoid the drama and time associated with all that," he said. "We have been in discussions with my learned friend. We've even nominated a charge, which we say will suitably resolve the matter."

The prosecution is being handled by barrister Jane Warren, who was involved in the case against Erin Patterson. Warren informed the court that she is in "meaningful discussions" with Catalano's legal team but requires more time.

Catalano has since reportedly reconciled with his wife and returned to their home in Byron Bay. His bail conditions were softened to allow him to travel overseas with his family to escape media scrutiny. Magistrate Donna Bakos granted the request, and Catalano's bail was extended to December 14, when he is due back in court. Stefanie Catalano is reportedly already overseas and followed Friday's hearing remotely.

Following the initial charges, Catalano disclosed that he was struggling with significant mental health and substance abuse issues. "I am deeply ashamed and humiliated," he stated in March. "Those close to me have been urging me to seek professional help for some time and there have been interventions by close family and friends. I regret not heeding their advice and I continued to believe I could hide my mental health issues. I allowed shame and pride to prevent me from confronting these problems and seeking treatment earlier."

In a separate development, The Age reported that Catalano has received planning approval to expand his family’s Byron Bay compound, creating an estate valued at over $67 million.