The son of a Carlton Football Club legend has been sentenced to more than six years behind bars for a callous sexual assault, with his victim issuing a powerful public statement the day after the verdict.
Jail Sentence and Emotional Fallout
Tom Silvagni, the 23-year-old son of Blues great Stephen Silvagni and celebrity wife Jo Bailey, was sentenced in the County Court to six years and two months' imprisonment. He will be eligible for parole after serving three years and three months.
The rape occurred in the early hours of January 14, 2024, at the Silvagni family's luxury home in Balwyn North, Melbourne. The victim, who cannot be named, had a prior relationship with Anthony LoGiudice, the son of former Carlton president Mark LoGiudice.
On Thursday, following the sentencing, the victim shared a statement on social media. "Thankyou everyone for the insane amount of love and support," she wrote. "Yesterday was a win not only for myself, but hopefully gives some hope for survivors everywhere that justice is in fact possible!"
A Friendship Shattered and a Feud Between Families
The court heard that Tom Silvagni and Anthony LoGiudice had been close friends since kindergarten, attending the prestigious Xavier College together. Silvagni described LoGiudice as his "best friend at the time" during the trial.
However, the case has reportedly torn the two prominent AFL families apart, with sources suggesting the Silvagnis and LoGiudices are now "at war". Police interviewed Anthony LoGiudice at his father's home on multiple occasions after charges were laid.
The night of the assault involved a group drinking at the Silvagni home. After Anthony LoGiudice and the victim had consensual sex, LoGiudice left in an Uber shortly before 2am. Silvagni then entered the dark bedroom, pretending to be his friend, and digitally raped the victim twice despite her protests.
Cover-Up Attempt and Legal Battle
In a deliberate attempt to mislead investigators, Tom Silvagni doctored an Uber receipt to make it appear Anthony LoGiudice had left the property after 2:30am, not before 2am. He also texted LoGiudice, instructing him to say he was the one who returned to the bedroom.
The legal process was protracted, featuring a significant fight over suppressing Silvagni's identity. His lawyers successfully obtained and extended suppression orders until after the trial concluded. The order finally lapsed on December 11, 2024, following his guilty verdict.
During sentencing, Judge Lyon noted Silvagni had shown no remorse or insight into his crimes. The judge acknowledged Silvagni's diagnosed depression and the intense media scrutiny as additional burdens, but found the reporting had been fair.
Outside court, Silvagni's parents departed quickly. Jo Silvagni was seen shoving a female reporter and telling her to "go away and do your job." The couple had previously declared their son's innocence and flagged an appeal.
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.
Advice and counselling for men concerned about their use of family violence: Men’s Referral Service, 1300 766 491.
