Prominent Newcastle real estate identity Anthony Di Nardo is no longer confined to his home under strict bail conditions, following a successful application to vary his terms in a local court.
Court Finds Original Bail Conditions 'Disproportionate'
Newcastle Local Court heard on Monday that the existing conditions, which required the 53-year-old to remain at his Junction home unless accompanied by his partner or father, were deemed excessive. Magistrate Robyn Richardson agreed with defence submissions that the restrictions were more severe than necessary to address the court's bail concerns.
Defence lawyer Drew Hamilton argued the conditions were not proportionate, reasonable, or necessary under Section 28 of the NSW Bail Act. He stated that with a defended trial likely, keeping Mr Di Nardo under effective house arrest for a potential two years before the case was heard would be 'grossly disproportionate to the charges'.
Mr Hamilton also told the court his client had been the subject of a 'campaign' that made him 'quite simply the most visible person in Newcastle in recent weeks'. He said the curfew had hindered Mr Di Nardo's ability to attend to ongoing business, legal, and medical appointments.
Charges and Police Opposition
Anthony Di Nardo was arrested at his home on December 9 and charged with multiple offences relating to five former female staff members. The charges, which he is yet to formally plead to, include:
- Sexual intercourse without consent
- Sexually touching without consent
- Two counts of indecent assault
- Carrying out a sexual act with another without consent
- Stalking
The alleged incidents are said to have occurred over a 16-year period between 2005 and 2022. Police established Strike Force Agnes in March 2025 to investigate the initial report.
Police prosecutors opposed relaxing the bail conditions, arguing they were necessary to mitigate the risk of Mr Di Nardo approaching prosecution witnesses. They noted he has no prior criminal record.
New Bail Conditions Imposed
While lifting the house arrest and curfew, Magistrate Richardson imposed a new set of strict bail conditions. Mr Di Nardo must now adhere to the following rules:
- He must not contact, approach, or attempt to contact any prosecution witness, except through a lawyer. This excludes NSW police officers.
- He is prohibited from contacting any current staff of LJ Hooker Warners Bay, McGrath Lake Macquarie, or Belle Property except via legal representation.
- He must not consume alcohol or illicit drugs unless prescribed.
- He must be of good behaviour, surrender his Australian and Italian passports, and report to police twice weekly on Tuesdays and Sundays.
- He is permitted to remain on licensed premises until 11pm.
The court heard Mr Di Nardo was taking care not to jeopardise the upcoming trial. His matter has been adjourned and is next listed for mention at Newcastle Local Court on February 11.
Background and Fallout
The allegations have already had significant professional consequences for Mr Di Nardo. Belle Property terminated its franchise agreement with his five offices on November 28, before his arrest. In an email to staff, Belle Property's head office director cited serious concerns and a threat to staff safety and security as reasons for the swift action.
During the police search of his home, several electronic devices were seized. Mr Di Nardo, a multi-award-winning agent, had operated one of the Hunter region's largest premium real estate businesses for 24 years prior to the charges.
