Shocking Details Emerge in Media Mogul's Domestic Assault Case
Stunning new details have been revealed in the case against Antony 'The Cat' Catalano, the co-owner and chairman of Australian Community Media (ACM), who is facing serious charges including assault, false imprisonment, and making threats to kill. A recording of a recent court hearing, obtained by the ABC, paints a disturbing picture of the alleged incident involving his wife, Stefanie.
Drug-Fuelled Attack in Luxury Apartment
According to evidence presented by Senior Constable Kiran Paramaguru, Catalano, 59, was in a severely drug-affected state and wearing only his underwear when he allegedly launched an unprovoked attack on his wife. The court heard that the victim was already in bed when Catalano approached her, ranting and shouting about matters unrelated to her.
The alleged assault quickly escalated. Catalano reportedly demanded his wife's phone before physically grabbing her. He then proceeded to drag her by her hair and ankles through various rooms and hallways within their multi-million dollar St Kilda apartment complex.
Iron Weapon and Death Threats
The situation turned even more terrifying when Catalano allegedly dragged his wife to a laundry area. "The accused then grabbed a clothes iron and held it towards his wife's head," Senior Constable Paramaguru told the court. Despite Ms Catalano screaming for help and briefly escaping the apartment, she was allegedly dragged back inside by her hair as she waited for an elevator.
During this struggle, Catalano is accused of making a chilling threat: "If you scream one more time, I'll stab you to death." CCTV footage from inside the apartment, foyer, and corridor allegedly captured much of the incident, including Ms Catalano "pleading for her life" while being attacked.
Previous Complaint and Current Status
The court also heard that Ms Catalano had made a police complaint against her husband in 2018, when he allegedly punched and headbutted her. That case did not proceed due to insufficient evidence. Following the recent alleged attack, Ms Catalano was hospitalised with a fractured tailbone.
Catalano, who appeared in court via video-link from a Melbourne police station last month, has publicly expressed deep shame and humiliation. He has admitted to struggles with mental health and substance abuse, confirming he has now entered rehabilitation and stepped back from his executive roles.
"I am deeply ashamed and humiliated," Catalano told the Australian Financial Review. "I regret not heeding advice to seek help earlier and allowed shame and pride to prevent me from confronting these problems." His focus is now "entirely on treatment and recovery" as he awaits his next court appearance in May.
