Celebrity SA chef Leonardo Moreira Loureiro faces court accused of choking influencer Brenda Loveday

There will be no further delay over allegations an SA celebrity chef choked his influencer ex-girlfriend, a court says, as the case will “only get better or worse” for him.

A celebrity chef’s choking allegation is “only going to get better or worse” when the alleged victim gives evidence, so there is no point delaying the case, a court says.

Leonardo Moreira Loureiro had argued “senior” prosecutors should speak with his ex-girlfriend, food influencer Brenda Loveday, before further pursuing him.

On Tuesday, the Adelaide Magistrates Court heard that conversation had yet to happen – and Magistrate Brian Nitschke said there would be no more delays.

Adelaide chef Leonard Loureiro and ex-partner Brenda Loveday. Pics: Instagram.

“I suspect the prosecution has a statement from the complainant already,” he told Mr Moreira Loureiro’s counsel.

“It’s only going to get better or worse by proofing (interviewing her about the allegations) … I’m going to set a date for answering the charge.”

Mr Moreira Loureiro, 32, of Seaton, has yet to plead to charges of aggravated assault without a weapon and choking, suffocating or strangling a person in a domestic setting.

Prosecutors have alleged he choked Ms Loveday, a social media influencer with whom he still co-owns the Nina restaurant, and that the incident left her in pain for eight days.

In December, counsel for Mr Moreira Loureiro told the court Ms Loveday should be further questioned, by investigators, before the case proceeds.

On Tuesday, prosecutors said they still intended on speaking with Ms Loveday, and that the interview would take place sometime in the next eight weeks.

Mr Nitschke remanded Mr Moreira Loureiro on continuing bail until March, when he will be expected to enter his plea.