Antony ‘The Cat’ Catalano, reportedly under the influence of drugs and clad only in his underwear, allegedly assaulted his wife, as detailed in a recent court session.
Catalano, who holds the position of co-owner and chairman at Australian Community Media (ACM), faces serious accusations including assault, unlawful imprisonment, and issuing threats to kill.
The 59-year-old former journalist appeared before the court through a video link from a Melbourne police facility last month, following the alleged altercation.
This Wednesday, remarkable insights into the case emerged when the ABC obtained a recording of that judicial session, shedding light on the proceedings.
During the hearing, Senior Constable Kiran Paramaguru reportedly explained to the court that Catalano began yelling at his wife, Stefanie, in connection to a welfare check requested by family members a few days earlier.
According to the ABC, the officer stated, “The victim was resting in bed when the accused, in a highly drug-affected condition, approached her, ranting and shouting about issues unrelated to her.”
‘The accused then demanded the victim’s phone and escalated this unprovoked attack on the victim by physically grabbing her.
‘The accused has then proceeded to drag the victim by her hair and ankles through various rooms and hallways within the large apartment complex that they reside in.’
Antony ‘The Cat’ Catalano’ and wife Stefanie in happier times
The ABC had been the only media organisation to catch the initial hearing, which took place late on a Friday.
Catalano allegedly dragged his wife to a laundry area and grabbed a clothes iron and held it towards his wife’s head, the court heard.
Ms Catalano, who police said had been screaming for help, managed to briefly escape the apartment but was allegedly dragged back inside by her hair as she waited for the elevator.
‘The accused then threatened the victim, stating: “If you scream one more time, I’ll stab you to death”,’ Senior Constable Paramaguru said.
Senior Constable Paramaguru said Ms Catalano grabbed at her husband’s underwear during the incident ‘with the intent of leaving behind signs of a struggle, which would indicate some sort of evidence for police to investigate’.
It is understood CCTV from cameras inside the apartment, a foyer area and a corridor captured much of the alleged incident.
The footage allegedly captured Ms Catalano ‘pleading for her life’ while being attacked by her husband.
‘[He] can then be seen reaching across the victim, who’s now on the floor, and grab an iron and swing it at her with quite considerable force,’ Senior Constable Paramaguru said.
The $30m St Kilda apartment where prominent Melbourne businessman Antony Catalano allegedly attacked his wife
A 27-second recording from inside a neighbour’s apartment captured screaming and Ms Catalano saying ‘let me go’ multiple times, the ABC reported.
The court heard Ms Catalano eventually managed to flee the apartment.
Mr Catalano was arrested later that day in his torn underwear in the nearby suburb of Hampton.
The court heard his wife was hospitalised and suffered a fractured tailbone from the attack.
During legal argument, the court was told Ms Catalano had made a police complaint against her husband in 2018, when he allegedly punched and headbutted her.
But the case did not proceed due to insufficient evidence.
Catalano has publicly spoken of his deep shame and humiliation, admitting struggles with mental health and substance abuse, and confirming he has now gone into rehab.
He has stepped back from executive roles amid the turmoil, and says his focus is now ‘entirely on treatment and recovery’.
Antony Catalano had a reputation for being a ladies’ man
Antony Catalano is accused of bashing his wife Stefanie (right)
Antony ‘The Cat’ Catalano is currently in rehab awaiting his next court appearance
‘I am deeply ashamed and humiliated,’ Antony told the Australian Financial Review.
‘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.’
Catalano will return to court in May.
