Former Shark Tank Australia contestant, Holiday Celebration Trees creator Katie Rawal charged with common assault

A former Shark Tank Australia contestant and entrepreneur has been hit with a charge of common assault. Here’s the latest from court.

Katie Rawal, founder of Holiday Celebration Trees, has been charged with common assault.

An Aussie entrepreneur who made an appearance on Shark Tank Australia has landed in court.

Lane Cove North resident Katie Rawal, 42, fronted Hornsby Local Court on Tuesday charged with common assault. No plea has been entered.

Rawal, who Forbes Australia described as “one of the leading Australian entrepreneurs to watch” in 2024, launched her multi-tiered, space-saving Christmas tree idea called Holiday Celebration Trees.

She’s also appeared on the revamped Shark Tank Australia.

Katie Rawal and her lawyer leaving Hornsby Local Court on Tuesday April 15 2025. Picture: Tileah Dobson

Court documents reveal Rawal is alleged to have assaulted someone between 8.40am and 9am on March 16 in Chatswood.

She was apprehended and taken to the Chatswood Police Station on March 29, where she was served a court attendance notice (CAN) the next morning.

Rawal will return to court in May. Picture: Tileah Dobson

In court on Tuesday, Rawal’s lawyer sought an adjournment and told magistrate Michael O’Brian they were “exploring the possibility of a Section 14”.

A Section 14 is a legal process which allows an individual facing criminal charges to have those charges dismissed on the grounds of having a mental health or cognitive impairment.

If successful, a Section 14 would allow a person to be released into the care of someone responsible with conditions such as treatments or support plans.

Rawal remains out on bail and will return to the same court on May 13.