SA chef Leonardo Moreira Loureiro tells court ex-girlfriend Brenda Loveday should be questioned on assault allegations

A celebrity chef says his influencer ex-girlfriend should be questioned by prosecutors again before assault charges proceed any further.

A top chef facing allegations of assaulting his food influencer ex-girlfriend and business partner has told a court she should be further questioned before the case proceeds.

In the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Tuesday, prosecutors said they were ready to progress their case that Leonardo Moreira Loureiro choked Brenda Loveday.

However, counsel for Mr Moreira Loureiro said that could not be correct, based on her conversations with the “senior prosecutor” overseeing her client’s matter.

“We understand that charge determination was made without the prosecutor knowing about a substantial amount of information that came from my client’s bail application,” she said.

Leonardo Moreira Loureiro and ex-partner Brenda Loveday. Picture: Instagram.

Ms Loveday, prosecutors allege, was choked by Mr Moreira Loureiro. Picture: Instagram.

“It’s been discussed that the prosecutor would like to further proof the complainant (Ms Loveday) … our application is for an adjournment of the committal process.”

Mr Moreira Loureiro, 32, of Seaton, was charged with aggravated assault without a weapon and choking, suffocating or strangling a person in a domestic setting.

He has yet to enter pleas.

Previously, prosecutors alleged he choked Ms Loveday with one hand to the right side of her throat, causing her to feel dizzy and struggle to breathe.

The former couple are co-owners of the Nina restaurant. Picture: Instagram

They further alleged that, after Mr Moreira Loureiro released his grip, Ms Loveday remained in pain for about eight days.

Mr Moreira Loureiro and Ms Loveday were together for 18 months and still co-own popular city restaurant Nina.

She is also a social media influencer, while he has worked with industry icons including Jock Zonfrillo, Matt Moran and Italian legend Massimo Bottura.

On Tuesday, Magistrate Justin Wickens formally noted that prosecutors had determined the charges against Mr Moreira Loureiro.

However, he postponed the beginning of the committal process – preserving any applicable discounts for pleas – and remanded him on bail to face court again next month.