A former Lake Macquarie principal accused of the sexual assault of eight female employees over the course of 17 years may see his trial moved to Sydney and carried out over six weeks.
The trial of real estate agent Anthony Di Nardo, accused of using his position to sexually assault eight female employees, may be moved from Newcastle to Sydney and carried out over six weeks.
The Lake Macquarie agent, who is facing 14 charges, including allegations of sexual assault, drug supply and intimidation, again denied the allegations as he appeared in Newcastle District Court last week.
During the hearing, Judge Tim Gartelmann SC said the trial may need to be moved to Sydney or remain in Newcastle as a special fixture due to its estimated length, the Newcastle Herald reported.
The court heard the trial may last up to six weeks, with evidence being called from all eight alleged victims, 23 other witnesses and five police officers.
The matter was adjourned until 5 November, allowing Judge Gartelmann to make inquiries as to whether the trial could proceed in Newcastle.
Aside from the potential change in location, Rob Hussey, one of the barristers representing Di Nardo, said there may need to be a larger-than-normal jury panel.
He said that given all of the alleged victims and majority of other witnesses worked in the local real estate industry, many potential jurors may need to pull out due to knowing someone involved in the case.
Di Nardo’s charges include two counts of aggravated sexual assault under authority and three counts of aggravated indecent assault, in which he allegedly touched the women on either their buttocks or breasts.
The former franchise director has also been charged with three counts of aggravated sexual touching, four counts of supplying small quantities of drugs, and one count of stalking and intimidation with the intent to cause physical harm.
Earlier this year, NSW Fair Trading suspended his licence until 12 July 2027, preventing him from carrying out any real estate work.
Di Nardo’s suspension followed a finding that he was not fit and proper to hold a licence, according to the watchdog.
“NSW Fair Trading made findings that Mr Di Nardo engaged in a pattern of inappropriate behaviour that occurred while Mr Di Nardo was operating as a licensed real estate agent and in a position of authority within licensed businesses,” a spokesperson told REB.
“Any future application would be subject to close regulatory scrutiny.”
Contacted by REB in March after his first licence suspension, Di Nardo denied the allegations.
“There is a matter before the court, and out of respect for the court proceedings, I don’t wish to comment any further other than to say these allegations are strongly denied and will be defended,” he said.
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