Man, 53, charged after strike force probe into alleged Newcastle sexual offences

9 December 2025

newy.com.au – 53-year-old former real estate boss Anthony Di Nardi faced court on Tuesday 9 December 2025 after detectives investigating alleged sexual offences in the Newcastle area arrested him during a morning raid at The Junction.

Police say the charges follow a lengthy investigation by Newcastle City Police District detectives into several incidents of a sexual nature alleged to have occurred over a span of almost two decades.

According to NSW Police, Strike Force Agnes was established in March 2025 after a report of an alleged indecent assault in the Newcastle area. Detectives attached to the district began examining the allegation and conducting further inquiries.

Police stated that those inquiries allegedly identified several incidents of a sexual nature involving the same man. “Extensive inquiries allegedly revealed that several incidents of a sexual nature involving the same man occurred between 2005 and 2022,” NSW Police said in a statement.

About 7.20am on Tuesday, strike force detectives executed a search warrant at a home on Bruce Street, The Junction. During the search, officers allegedly located and seized several electronic devices, which will form part of the ongoing investigation.

The 53-year-old man was arrested at the property and taken to Newcastle Police Station, where he was charged with six offences.

Police said the man was charged with two counts of assault with act of indecency, sexual intercourse without consent, stalk/intimidate intend fear physical harm, sexually touch another person without consent, and carry out sexual act with another without consent. All of the matters relate to alleged incidents in the Newcastle area.

He was refused bail and appeared in Bail Division Court 2 on Tuesday 9 December 2025.

During the court hearing he was bailed and placed under house arrest under strict bail conditions.

Anthony Di Nardo is a 53‑year‑old real estate agent based in Newcastle, a the long‑time principal of the Belle Property Hunter Region network. Starting in real estate around 2001 with Century 21 Stals & Kirk Valentine, he went on to become a director at LJ Hooker Warners Bay and then managing principal at McGrath Estate Agents from 2008 to 2018, before rebranding those offices under the Belle Property banner. Under his leadership the business expanded into a five‑office network across Lake Macquarie, Newcastle, Hunter Valley, East Maitland and Port Stephens, and he also fronted Belle Property Escapes Hunter Region, a short‑term rental and holiday‑letting arm.

NSW Police have urged anyone who believes they may have been affected by similar offending to come forward. “Anyone who feels they have been a victim of a crime such as this should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000,” police said.

Information to Crime Stoppers can be provided confidentially, and callers can remain anonymous.