Fresh twist in bitter ‘love rat’ battle between ex-partners

The case of a man who sued his former partner over claims he was a “dangerous sex addict” has taken a surprising new turn in court.

Constantine Arvanitis arrives at the County Court in Melbourne with his partner, Melanie Thornton. Picture: Nicki Connolly

Warring exes engaged in a bitter court battle over claims one was a “love rat” have ended their legal feud.

Constantine Arvanitis sued his former partner Selina Holder for defamation after she alleged he was a violent sex and drug addict in a document that found its way to his fiancee.

The trial was postponed for a year because of Covid and was due to resume in Victoria’s County Court on Monday.

But it was revealed in court the exes decided to settle their dramatic dispute.

A smiling Constantine Arvanitis arrives at the County Court of Victoria with his fiancee, Melanie Thornton. Picture: Nicki Connolly

“The best interests of their child are paramount,” lawyer Lana Collaris said in a joint statement she read to the court.

It was alleged Ms Holder put a typed letter in the letterbox of Melanie Thornton – the now fiancee of Mr Arvanitis.

In it Ms Holder and other former girlfriends allegedly told Mr Arvanitis’s fiancee to leave him, but she denies she was behind the typed letter.

It labelled the IT specialist an “evil love rat”, the trial was told.

“(Ms Holder) denies writing the letter and does not know who wrote it,” Ms Collaris said.

Selina Holder at the County Court for the trial in 2021. She did not attend on Monday. Picture: Sarah Matray

The other was a separate legal document which Ms Holder acknowledged caused “hurt and distress” to her former partner, the court was told.

He denies all of the allegations.

The pair asked for the proceedings to be dismissed and requested there be no cost orders made.

After the statement was read Mr Arvanitis and Ms Thornton hugged in court.

Outside he told reporters he was glad the case was over.

Ms Holder was not present during the hearing on Monday, but her lawyer Barrie Goldsmith appeared via videolink.

Originally published as Fresh twist in bitter ‘love rat’ battle between ex-partners