Antony Catalano denies assault allegations as wife withdraws co-operation
Antony Catalano has denied allegations that he swung a clothes iron at his wife’s head and strangled her, as his lawyer sought a plea deal or the withdrawal of domestic violence charges. The case is significant because his wife has stopped co-operating with police and filed a statement of no complaint, while the prosecution is still considering its position.
Police allege the assault took place at the couple’s Melbourne penthouse on 13 March and also involved dragging his wife by her hair, unlawful imprisonment and threats to kill her. She was treated in hospital for a fractured tailbone; her lawyer has contacted prosecutors, and she has also complained about her treatment by police. The defence says CCTV supports Catalano’s denials, and the court heard the couple have reconciled. His bail was extended to 14 December, with permission to travel overseas with his family.
- Catalano denies assault allegations and seeks a plea deal or withdrawal of charges.
- His wife has filed a statement of no complaint and stopped co-operating with police.
- He can travel overseas while on bail and must return to court on 14 December.
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Domestic violence charges are brought by the state and can continue even if the person who reported the alleged abuse no longer wants to assist police. Prosecutors assess the available evidence, which may include witness accounts, medical records and CCTV.
Antony Catalano is a Melbourne businessman, and the case concerns allegations about an incident at the home he shares with his wife. The couple’s relationship and her co-operation with police may affect the evidence, while the prosecution decides whether the charges can be pursued.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The allegations describe serious violence, and a complainant’s later decision to withdraw co-operation does not by itself establish that the reported events did not happen. A careful prosecution could argue that the case should be assessed on all available evidence, including medical records and CCTV, while taking account of the complainant’s wishes and any concerns she has raised about police treatment.
The case against
The defence can argue that charges should not proceed unless the evidence can fairly support them, particularly when the complainant has filed a statement of no complaint and no longer wishes to assist. It says CCTV supports Catalano’s denials, and the couple have reconciled; these points may strengthen the case for prosecutors to reconsider whether a trial is justified.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Media tycoon Antony Catalano comes out fighting as he denies swinging an iron at his wife’s head before trying to strangle her: ‘It didn’t happen’”.