Overview
- Catalano, who appeared by video on Monday from his lawyer's office, was excused from attending in person due to what the magistrate accepted was intense media interest.
- The court set June 2 for the next mention after the defence cited a recent rehab stay and requested medical and psychiatric reports.
- Police have charged the 59-year-old with assault, false imprisonment and threats to kill over a March 13 incident at the couple's St Kilda home.
- In court accounts, officers said he allegedly dragged his wife by her hair and ankles, swung a clothes iron and threatened to stab her, and she was later hospitalised with a fractured tailbone.
- Australian Community Media put him on leave and staff voted no confidence in his leadership, adding pressure on his media and property ventures.