A media mogul charged with threatening to fatally stab his wife has avoided facing court in person over concerns public attention could be detrimental to his mental health.
Documents released by the Melbourne Magistrates Court earlier this week reveal Antony Catalano is facing eight criminal charges relating to an incident against his wife, Stefanie, in the early hours of 13 March.
Police allege the 59-year-old choked his partner, held her against her will and assaulted her, including one alleged incident involving a clothing iron.
Catalano was due to appear before court in person for the first time since being accused of assaulting his wife.
There was a large media presence in the courtroom, with only standing room available.
His lawyer Tony Hargreaves said the matter had attracted intense attention, including an incident in which an image was taken of his client during rehab.
Mr Hargreaves described it as “potentially detrimental to his mental health”.
He asked for his client to be excused from appearing in person because of that scrutiny, but acknowledged Catalano was at his lawyer’s office metres from the court.
Magistrate Nahrain Warda granted the leave.
Appearing via video link, Catalano wore a black suit, white shirt and dark tie.
He appeared to fidget at times and sat with his hands clasped during the brief hearing.
Ms Catalano was also watching online.
Catalano, the co-owner of Australian Community Media (ACM), successfully sought bail after the incident during a late-night court hearing.
His case was eventually adjourned for another hearing in June.
Mr Hargreaves reported his client had successfully completed his 28-day stint in rehab and had “deep remorse and sorrow” for his actions.
ACM, the country’s largest regional and rural digital media company, owns titles including The Canberra Times and The Newcastle Herald.
Catalano bought the business from Nine Entertainment for $115 million in 2019.
He spent 26 years with Fairfax and was chief executive of Domain for four, leading the property classifieds operation through its 2017 spin-off from Fairfax into a separately-listed business.
ACM general manager Tony Kendall confirmed Catalano was placed on an immediate leave of absence until the court case was resolved.
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