URGENT UPDATE: A dramatic confrontation unfolded late last night at one of Sydney’s premier dining spots, Tanuki Restaurant in Double Bay. Model Natalie Marangos, 34, has been charged with assault after a shocking incident involving her ex-boyfriend Dean Contos, 37, just before midnight on February 22, 2023.
Witnesses reported that tensions escalated around 11:30 PM when Contos arrived at the restaurant with a new girlfriend. Surveillance footage revealed a heated exchange leading to Marangos throwing a martini at Contos, drenching her in the process. In a swift reaction, Marangos picked up a plastic lamp from a nearby table and hurled it at Contos, striking him in the forehead and causing a visible cut.
Authorities confirmed that Marangos had an active AVO against Contos at the time of the incident. She fled the scene before police arrived but was arrested the following night in Hurstville Grove. Charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm, Marangos pleaded guilty to the charge in March.
In a hearing at the John Maddison Tower Local Court on Wednesday, Marangos appeared in sleek black dress pants and high heels, requesting her case to be addressed under mental health provisions. Magistrate Christine Haskett granted the application, leading to the dismissal of the charges. The court heard from a psychologist about Marangos’ traumatic experiences, including a controlling and allegedly abusive relationship with Contos that began in December 2022.
Ms. Haskett noted, “It was a controlling and allegedly abusive relationship,” adding that Marangos had expressed safety concerns to the police. Further complicating her emotional state, Marangos’ father passed away just six months prior to the relationship.
The magistrate highlighted that the incident was a “reactive action” to the spilled drink and acknowledged the ongoing anxiety Marangos faced throughout the court proceedings. While the prosecution characterized the assault as “violent,” they conceded it fell within the mid to lower range of seriousness.
In a parallel case, Contos is facing multiple domestic violence charges, including stalking, intimidation, and choking a person without consent. He has pleaded not guilty and is scheduled for another court appearance in December.
The fallout from this incident has left both parties grappling with serious legal implications. A two-year AVO has been put in place to protect Contos from Marangos. As the situation develops, the public continues to be captivated by the unfolding drama of this high-profile case.
Stay tuned for further updates as we track the latest developments in this urgent matter.
