Tom Silvagni, the youngest son of Carlton Football Club great Stephen Silvagni and television personality Jo Silvagni, has been sentenced to six years and two months in prison for rape.
Sentencing and Court Details
On Wednesday, the Victorian County Court handed down the sentence, with a non-parole period set at three years and three months. Silvagni, whose name suppression was lifted last week, was convicted on December 5 of two counts of rape relating to an incident in the early hours of January 14, 2024.
Judge Michael McInerney acknowledged Silvagni's age, his mental health struggles, and his lack of prior convictions, stating his "prospects of rehabilitation are very good." However, the judge also noted the young man had "demonstrated no remorse" and did "not accept the wrongfulness" of his actions.
The court considered the "deep shame" Silvagni was experiencing, which was said to be contributing to a depressive disorder.
The Night of the Attack
The rape occurred at the Silvagni family home in Melbourne. The victim, who was in a brief relationship with a friend of Tom Silvagni's, had been invited to the luxury property by that friend, who was also Silvagni's girlfriend at the time.
The four individuals socialised before retiring to separate bedrooms. The victim had consensual sex with her boyfriend, who then had to leave. He organised an Uber and departed the property just before 2am.
Tom Silvagni then went to the woman's room and deceived her, falsely claiming her boyfriend's Uber had been cancelled and he would be returning upstairs shortly. A short time later, Silvagni entered the dark bedroom, pretended to be the woman's boyfriend, and digitally raped her.
Mental Health and Family Background
During a pre-sentence hearing last week, Silvagni's barrister, David Hallowes SC, argued for a lighter sentence. He cited his client's poor mental health, including a documented history of "suicidal ideation since childhood," two hospitalisations for major depression, and an "actual overdose" in May 2025.
Hallowes submitted that time in custody would pose "a clear and significant risk" for Silvagni and would severely impact his mental health due to existing depression and anxiety.
The case has cast a spotlight on one of Australian rules football's most famous families. Stephen Silvagni is a Carlton legend, considered the club's greatest full-back, a five-time All-Australian and dual premiership player. His father, Sergio Silvagni, is also a former Carlton captain and premiership player.
Stephen Silvagni has worked in football administration since retirement and is currently the list manager at St Kilda Football Club, where Tom's brother, Jack Silvagni, recently joined after playing 128 games for Carlton. Their mother, Jo Silvagni, is a well-known model and TV celebrity.
The sentencing brings a conclusion to a case that has shocked both the sporting and wider community, underscoring the serious legal consequences of sexual assault regardless of background or family name.
