Wife Stefanie Catalano files police complaint alleging authorities want to ‘destroy’ husband
Stefanie Catalano, the wife of alleged domestic violence perpetrator Antony Catalano, has accused Victoria Police of trying to “destroy” her millionaire businessman husband.
In an ethics standards complaint lodged with police, the mother of four said she believed the primary aim of the authorities involved in her 59-year-old media owner husband’s assault case was to harm him.
“From the moment I first contacted the police, it was clear in hindsight that their true aim was to destroy Antony,” Stefanie said in her formal complaint filed late Thursday.
“I was ashamed, humiliated, criticized and followed,” he said in his statement to the police.
“My children have been subjected to having cameras pointed at their faces by photographers hired by media outlets. Whatever the police’s opinion of my husband, I have four children and five stepchildren with him.”
Stefanie’s intention to file a complaint about ethical standards was first revealed by this imprint earlier this week.
A source close to Stefanie but not authorized to comment publicly confirmed in early June that the couple had lodged a detailed “declaration of no complaint” with Victoria Police in relation to an alleged domestic violence incident at their luxury St Kilda penthouse in March.
The source also confirmed that Stefanie will not be giving evidence at her husband’s trial, which resumes in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court in October.
Catalano faces eight felonies, including making threats to kill and false imprisonment.
Police allege the man swung a clothes iron at Stefanie’s head, unlawfully trapped her in the luxury apartment, threatened to stab her and choked or strangled her. He was hospitalized with a fractured tailbone.
A bail hearing was told parts of the incident were recorded on closed-circuit television cameras in the corridor and foyer of the apartment building.
However, Stefanie says in her complaint that she believes the police allegations are “not true.”
“The matters in the detention summary were not accurate and were repeated many times,” the complaint said.
“The police had no consideration for how this would affect me or my children, all of whom are minors.”
Stefanie Catalano’s attorney, Sarah Pratt, said the police investigation was conducted without regard for Stefanie or her children.
“The way this investigation was conducted was designed to disparage Antony, without regard for Stefanie and their family,” Pratt said.
“In handling the matter, there appears to have been little or no consideration given to the flow-on effects this highly publicized matter would have on Stefanie. She has essentially had to hunker down, knit and outsource legal protection.”
Following the accusations, Stefanie returned to the family home in Byron Bay. Antony checked into a rehabilitation facility in suburban MelbourneHe said he “struggles with significant mental health and substance abuse issues.”
“I am deeply ashamed and humiliated,” he said in a statement at the time. “I know that my actions have caused hurt and concern to others, including the woman involved, my family, friends, colleagues and many others associated with the businesses I have the privilege of managing.”
The couple has now reconciled and is receiving counselling.
Catalano has appeared in court only by video link since leaving the clinic, and his lawyer said discussions with prosecutors about the case were ongoing.
Former journalist-turned-businessman Antony Catalano owns regional and rural digital media empire Australian Community Media 50-50 with billionaire Alex Waislitz.
Following the alleged attack, Antony resigned from all company directorships in favor of his 35-year-old son Jordan..
Victoria Police have confirmed that none of the charges against Antony Catalano have been dropped and the matter will proceed to court as planned.
Catalano also owns residential and commercial real estate and hospitality assets in the NSW resort town of Byron Bay, as well as a portfolio of homes elsewhere in Australia and internationally.
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