George Koumantatakis, a 63-year-old figure in the millionaire hospitality and property industry, faces charges of rape and assault against a businesswoman on the Glitter Strip at an upscale shopping centre.
The accused, a prominent Melbourne businessman and known collector of Ancient Greek art, was charged with rape, sexual assault, and assault occasioning bodily harm following an alleged incident at Marina Mirage in Main Beach last month.
During the initial mention of his charges in Southport Magistrates Court on Tuesday, Mr Koumantatakis was not physically present but was represented by defense lawyer Callan Lloyd, according to Courier Mail.
Police prosecutor Abby Griffiths sought stricter bail conditions, requesting that Mr Koumantatakis surrender his passport and refrain from approaching any international departure points, citing the gravity of the charges.
In opposition, Mr Lloyd argued that his client was not a flight risk, highlighting Mr Koumantatakis’s Australian citizenship, 44-year marriage, and ownership of residential and commercial real estate properties in Victoria. While acknowledging the seriousness of the charges, Mr Lloyd maintained that the proposed restrictions were unreasonable, as Mr Koumantatakis had complied with bail conditions for the past four weeks.
Mr Lloyd informed the court that he had made submissions to the prosecution, and if not resolved, Mr Koumantatakis intended to defend the charges.
Magistrate Veena Goverhdan ultimately agreed to the additional bail conditions, instructing Koumantatakis to surrender his passport and avoid international departure points.
The case was adjourned to November 23. Outside the court, Mr Koumantatakis declined to comment.
He and his wife, Heidi, are prominent figures in the Melbourne hospitality industry, having sold several multimillion-dollar commercial properties in recent years.
Notably, they have dealt with former Commonwealth and Westpac bank buildings in Chapel St, Melbourne, and Bondi Beach, Sydney.