The trial of real estate agent Anthony Di Nardo, accused of sexually and indecently assaulting eight former female employees over two decades, has formally been transferred to Sydney.
Lake Macquarie former Belle Property boss Anthony Di Nardo will be facing Sydney’s court for alleged sexual assault, drug supply, and intimidation.
Last week, Newcastle District Court Judge Tim Gartelmann SC confirmed Di Nardo’s trial would be transferred to Sydney’s Downing Centre District Court, after its estimated length raised concerns.
The potential move had been flagged last month, following Di Nardo’s arraignment, where he pleaded not guilty to 14 charges, including aggravated sexual assault, sexual touching, indecent assault and drug supply.
Prosecutors and defence lawyers estimated the trial could run for up to six weeks, with the transfer to Sydney expected to bring the proceedings forward, as Newcastle District Court is not listing trials until 2028.
According to the Newcastle Herald, Di Nardo’s barristers also requested a larger-than-usual jury pool, arguing that potential jurors could be ruled out because the alleged victims and many other witnesses may know each other.
In total, eight alleged victims, 23 other witnesses, many with ties to the city’s real estate industry, and five police officers are expected to give evidence.
The matter was adjourned to the Downing Centre District Court on 17 November, when a trial date will be set.
Di Nardo was arrested in December last year over allegations he used his “position of power” to sexually assault five former female employees over 17 years, before prosecutors revealed that three more women had come forward with further allegations of sexual and indecent assault.
It is alleged that the employees feared that rejection would see them lose their jobs or their careers plummet, with Di Nardo's behaviour exacerbated by alcohol and drugs.
His 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 him until 12 July 2027, preventing him from carrying out any real estate work, after finding that he was not fit and proper to hold a licence.
Di Nardo took the matter to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT), where a hearing was held earlier last month in Sydney.
The NCAT hearing saw further details emerge, including allegations of assaults on work time, consuming cocaine in a “sexual” way, suspected drink spiking, inappropriate comments about “tits” and threats to female staffers.
NCAT has reserved its decision.
Contacted by REB in May, NSW Fair Trading said Di Nardo lost his licence after a pattern of inappropriate behaviour while operating as a licensed real estate agent and in a position of authority.
“Any future application would be subject to close regulatory scrutiny,” the watchdog said.
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.
To get support, call Lifeline on 131 114, Beyond Blue on 1800 512 348, or the national sexual assault, domestic and family violence counselling service on 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).
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