Media Mogul Avoids Court Amid Fears of Press Scrutiny

A prominent Australian media executive has managed to avoid facing court in person over allegations of assaulting his wife, citing fears that intense media scrutiny could be detrimental to his mental health.

Antony Catalano, the co-owner of Australian Community Media, was due to appear in Melbourne Magistrates Court for the first time since being accused of assaulting his wife, Stefanie Catalano.

His lawyer, Tony Hargreaves, argued that the media attention surrounding the case, including a recent incident in which an image was taken of his client during rehab, could exacerbate Catalano's mental health issues.

The lawyer requested that his client be excused from appearing in person, but acknowledged that Catalano was present in his lawyer's office, just metres from the court.

Magistrate Nahrain Warda granted the leave, allowing Catalano to participate in the hearing via video link.

Catalano, who has been charged with assault, false imprisonment, and making threats to kill, appeared to fidget at times during the brief hearing, which was adjourned for another court appearance in June.

The incident in question allegedly occurred on March 13, during which Catalano is said to have grabbed his wife by the hair and ankles, and dragged her around their Melbourne apartment.

He is also accused of swinging an iron at her.

Catalano's media company, Australian Community Media, owns several prominent regional and rural titles, including The Canberra Times and The Newcastle Herald.

The executive has a long history in the industry, having spent 26 years with Fairfax and serving as chief executive of Domain for four years before purchasing the business in 2019.

For now, Catalano remains on leave of absence until the court case is resolved, and he has yet to enter a plea to the charges.