Antony Catalano, Australian Media Executive, Faces Assault Charges

Antony Catalano, the co-owner and chairman of Australian Community Media (ACM), has been charged with assault, false imprisonment, and making threats to kill following an alleged incident involving a woman in Melbourne. The charges stem from an alleged assault where police claim Catalano dragged the woman through an apartment and attacked her with a clothes iron.

Details of the Alleged Assault

The Melbourne Magistrates’ Court heard that the woman suffered a fractured tailbone and required hospitalization after the alleged assault on Friday. Police allege Catalano, 59, dragged the woman through her apartment by the hair and ankles before grabbing a clothes iron and holding it towards her head. The woman reportedly grabbed the iron herself during the incident.

Catalano’s barrister, Jason Gullaci SC, acknowledged physical contact occurred, based on CCTV footage, but stated the extent and initiation of the incident remain unclear. He described the aftermath as “doesn’t look great.”

Bail Hearing and Mental Health Concerns

Catalano was granted bail on Friday night after appearing in court via video link from a Melbourne police station. Magistrate Rohan Lawrence described the evidence as “relatively strong,” suggesting a potential jail term if the charges are proven. Catalano was not required to enter a plea.

During the bail hearing, it was revealed that Catalano had been experiencing mental health issues and was admitted to a psychiatric ward four weeks prior after using drugs. An officer testified that approximately three days before the incident, Catalano contacted police believing he saw people emerging from the woods around his property in Byron Bay.

Background on Antony Catalano

Antony Catalano, known in media circles as “The Cat,” is a former journalist who rose through the ranks at Fairfax Media and previously led property listings company Domain. In 2019, he acquired Australian Community Media (ACM) for $115 million, a deal that included major regional newspapers such as the Canberra Times and the Newcastle Herald .

Previous Allegations

The court also heard about previous allegations of headbutting in 2018, but charges were not filed due to insufficient evidence.

Next Steps

The case has been adjourned until May 11. Catalano’s bail conditions were not immediately detailed in reports.