A prominent English barrister, Marc Brittain, is contesting extradition to Croatia, where he faces potential imprisonment over accusations of domestic abuse leveled by his ex-wife, Tamara Katavic. The 65-year-old Chancery law specialist denies the charges, which include alleged strangulation and threats to set their home on fire, and has described Ms. Katavic as a "psychopath" and a "liar."
The dispute between Brittain and Katavic, who were married for 15 years and have a son, began in late 2021. Their split triggered a series of legal battles in both English and Croatian courts. Brittain alleges that shortly after their separation, Katavic emptied his bank account, taking approximately £85,000 which he claims included a COVID-19 Bounce Back loan and rental income from a property in Camden. Brittain admits to threatening to damage clothes but vehemently denies any physical assault.
Katavic, in turn, claims years of domestic abuse, including the alleged strangulation and threats to burn their home. She stated in court that Brittain was in full control of their finances and that any money transferred to her account was for family expenses or was repaid. She also asserts that Brittain owed her £60,000 in maintenance payments and accused him of coercive and controlling behavior. The divorce was finalized in 2024.
Brittain faces multiple counts of alleged domestic abuse in Croatia, with a potential sentence of three years in jail. He is also engaged in legal proceedings in the UK's High Court to recover the £85,000 he alleges Katavic took dishonestly. He has sought disclosure of Katavic's bank statements, arguing they would support his claims and demonstrate her alleged untruthfulness, potentially aiding his defense against extradition.
A Croatian psychologist reportedly assessed both parties, with the expert opining that Katavic was "incapable of telling the difference between truth and a lie" and described her as a "mild psychopath." Brittain believes that proving fraud in the financial dispute would be crucial to his extradition defense.
Ms. Katavic, representing herself, has denied Brittain's allegations of living a double life or fabricating the assault claims. She maintains that she relied on rental income during the marriage as Brittain was "very frugal with family finances" and that their properties and car were in his name.
In a recent hearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court, it was revealed that Brittain is suffering from a serious heart condition, a factor in his ongoing fight against extradition. The court is expected to schedule further hearings for his extradition case.