Stefanie Catalano, wife of media executive Antony Catalano, is urging authorities to drop the criminal case against him, as the couple reportedly attempts to reconcile. Antony Catalano faces charges of assault, threats to kill, and false imprisonment following an alleged incident at their St. Kilda penthouse on March 13.
According to reports, Stefanie Catalano has ceased cooperating with Victoria Police and has filed a "statement of no complaint," indicating her desire for the prosecution to end. Sources familiar with the matter suggest she does not intend to give evidence if the case proceeds to trial, which could significantly weaken the prosecution's efforts. Despite this, a Victoria Police spokesperson stated that the charges against Catalano are still moving forward, with the specialist advocacy unit overseeing the case refusing to withdraw them thus far.
Antony Catalano, 59, was accused of a drug-induced assault during which he allegedly held a clothes iron to his wife's head and dragged her by her hair. During an initial hearing, Senior Constable Kiran Paramaguru detailed the allegations, including a threat to stab Stefanie if she screamed again. She reportedly attempted to leave signs of a struggle by grabbing her husband's underwear. A recording from a neighbor's apartment captured screaming and Stefanie repeatedly saying, "let me go." Stefanie Catalano was hospitalized after the incident, suffering a fractured tailbone.
Earlier this year, the couple had reportedly reunited after a period of separation, before the alleged assault occurred. Following the charges and her release from the hospital, Stefanie Catalano returned to Byron Bay, while her husband acknowledged struggling with significant mental health and substance abuse issues. He stated in March, "I am deeply ashamed and humiliated" and expressed regret for not seeking professional help sooner.
Last month, Catalano's bail conditions were modified, allowing him to leave Melbourne for Byron Bay to be with his family. The magistrate warned him that his ability to contact his family and visit their Byron Bay address was contingent on remaining unaffected by drugs or alcohol.
Victoria Police are expected to rely on CCTV footage from inside and outside the apartment to build their case. Footage from cameras within the apartment complex, its foyer, and a corridor allegedly captured parts of the incident. The court heard previously that Stefanie Catalano had made a police complaint against her husband in 2018 for an alleged assault, but that case did not proceed due to insufficient evidence.
Antony Catalano is scheduled to return to court in October. Stefanie Catalano is reportedly in the process of lodging an ethical standards complaint against Victoria Police concerning her treatment during the investigation. The couple is understood to be living together again in Byron Bay with their four children and undergoing counseling.