Slashed tyre lands father of five in Werribee Magistrates’ Court

A man distraught over the breakdown of his 22-year marriage has fronted court over his immature revenge tactics, which left the magistrate less than impressed.

A man angry over the breakdown of his marriage has fronted court after he slashed his ex-wife’s tyre.

A magistrate has ordered a man to make a $300 donation to charity after he slashed his ex-wife’s car tyres.

John Cattani yesterday fronted the Werribee Magistrates’ Court over the incident in August last year, sparked by the breakdown of his 22-year marriage.

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The court heard his ex-wife, and mother of his five children, had been visiting a friend’s house in Werribee when she heard “a loud spray noise” and ran out to find her tyre had been punctured.

Mr Cattani was seen running to his car nearby and driving off.

When interviewed by police that evening he told them he had been home all night and “(his ex) tries to make up crap”.

Mr Cattani’s lawyer told the court his client’s marriage had ended the day of the incident.

“Obviously the emotions of that 22-year marriage (ending) was very largely in his mind,” he said.

“But since that time he’s paid for the damage to the car tyre about 12 days later … which is evidence of his remorse.”

Magistrate Urfa Masood told Mr Cattani his actions were “unacceptable”.

“You’ve got no prior history and I am told this is an incident that arose out of a 22-year relationship breakdown,” she said.

“However, regardless of that, your conduct was unacceptable. That is not an appropriate way to deal with the breakdown of your relationship.”

Mr Cattani was places on an adjourned undertaking until December, without conviction.

He was also ordered to make a $300 donation to the court fund.