Rape charge for Kings Cross identity Michael Frank Amante

  • Michael Frank Amante, 45, charged with alleged intercourse without consent
  • Amante previously ran the Dreamgirls strip club in Sydney’s Kings Cross
  • He was granted bail at Central Local Court on Wednesday morning 
  • ‘It’s not the weakest case but it’s not the strongest case either’, said magistrate
  • Magistrate said the alleged victim spoke of ‘rubbing her body … naked … against the accused person’

Michael Frank Amante was charged with one count of sexual intercourse without consent and has been freed on bail

A former Kings Cross strip club baron and childhood friend of John Ibrahim has been charged with the alleged rape of a woman.

Michael Frank Amante owned Dreamgirls on Sydney’s most notorious party strip – but a raid by authorities in late 2015 led to him being banned for life from running licensed venues.  

The 45-year-old was charged with one count of sexual intercourse without consent and was bailed by the Central Local Court on Wednesday. 

During a hearing, Magistrate Megan Greenwood said the alleged victim had spoken of ‘rubbing her body’, which she agreed was ‘naked… against the accused person’. 

The court heard the case would involve DNA evidence and the magistrate noted there were ‘gaps’ in CCTV evidence.

The magistrate said in her view, the case could be described as ‘one person’s word against the other’. 

Michael Frank Amante ran Dreamgirls strip club in Sydney's Kings Cross until a raid by authorities led to him being slapped with a life ban on running licensed premises

Michael Frank Amante ran Dreamgirls strip club in Sydney’s Kings Cross until a raid by authorities led to him being slapped with a life ban on running licensed premises

 The club's former business owner was charged with one count of sexual intercourse without consent

 The club’s former business owner was charged with one count of sexual intercourse without consent

‘It’s not the weakest case but it’s not the strongest case either,’ Magistrate Greenwood said. 

She said she had ‘real concerns’ about Amante but granted him bail as bail conditions would address prosecutors’ concerns.

Frank Amante appeared at the back of the courtroom 

Frank Amante appeared at the back of the courtroom 

Bail conditions included not contacting, going near or trying to go near the victim or any prosecution witness except through his lawyer.

He is also barred from alcohol or drugs unless he has a prescription. 

Amante will be released on bail will face the Downing Centre Local Court on February 20. 

Amante’s father, the famous Kings Cross identity Frank ‘Ashtray’ Amante, watched the case from the public gallery. 

The Amante father-and-son have previously been described as close friends of ‘King of the Cross’ John Ibrahim.  



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