Top surgeon in furious marriage split bust-up after he moved his boyfriend into ritzy harbourside mansion
A top Sydney surgeon locked in a bitter marital split has been living with his new lover and the lover’s ex-boyfriend at his harbourside mansion on Sydney’s ritzy north shore.
Kidney transplant specialist Professor David Gracey split from his political lobbyist husband Michael Kauter, chairman and CEO of boutique government affairs advisory Strategic Political Counsel, in December.
The estranged couple’s $9.5million Mosman mansion is now home to Dr Gracey, his new boyfriend Brooke McFarlane and McFarlane’s art dealer ex, Jason Bonham.
Mr Kauter – the majority owner of the home – moved out shortly before Mr McFarlane and Mr Bonham moved in.
But he says two more people – and their dog – are also now ‘squatting’ in the basement of his former home.
The multimillionaire lobbyist was arrested by police after he turned up at his ex-husband’s surgery for what said was a routine check-up, but the charges were withdrawn in June.
An outstanding charge against him, involving the alleged theft of a photo frame and shirt, was diverted under a mental health Section 14 and due for finalisation in August.
‘The whole situation is, in my view, regrettable and frankly sad, but there’s no need for me to comment,’ Mr Kauter told Daily Mail Australia.
Dr David Gracey (pictured left) alongside his new Kiwi lover Brook McFarlane
The home where Dr Gracey is living with his new lover and his lover’s ex Jason Bonham
The couple were married for several years before they split which turned nasty
‘I hold no bitterness or anger, I’ve moved on.
‘My focus is on building a positive future, and I’ve never been so excited about what’s ahead. I wish everyone the best.’
Section 14 orders divert certain matters from the criminal justice system where health issues, like psychological stress, are involved and provides no finding of guilt or conviction.
The ex-boyfriend of Professor Gacey’s new lover – who are all now living in the Mosman home, known as The Villa – was previously an art gallery owner on New Zealand‘s South Island.
Mr Bonham is said to have left New Zealand soon after local media reported he owed more than $50,000 in rent, rates and insurance following the gallery’s closure.
He is now operating a showroom in Rushcutters Bay in Sydney’s eastern suburbs but denied ‘doing a runner’.
He told Otago Times Daily he may have been ‘a couple of months in arrears’, but said he hoped to catch up on his bills after the lease on his gallery was sold.
‘We haven’t done a runner,’ he said.
Gallery owner Jason Bonham left New Zealand amid speculation about unpaid rent at his high-end art gallery
Mr Kauter has shared photos on social media of the alleged ‘squatters’ and their dog (pictured) living at the Mosman property he co-owns
‘It’s been more negotiating around who’s going to be going in there next and making sure we get the right contribution towards that lease negotiation which covers anything that’s potentially outstanding.’
Dr Gracey and Mr Kautner’s lavish mansion is currently undergoing court-ordered renovations and had to be cleared of extensive contents to allow the work to go on.
Social media images revealed floor-to-ceiling piles boxes of Mr Bonham’s items including leather gear, hoses, dog and kitchen appliances and expensive artefacts.
Neighbours allege the home has been operating like a backpackers’ hostel, with Mr Bonham’s clutter, and the two others living in the basement, who have been branded squatters and ‘vagrants’.
But Dr Gracey insists he was just helping out some friends and it’s not been a permanent arrangement.
‘There were no vagrants there,’ he told Daily Mail Australia.
‘They were mutual friends of mine and my ex who were temporarily residing whilst finding a place in Sydney after relocating from interstate.
‘No one was forcefully evicted, they found a place and moved.’
The bluechip property which boasts harbour views is understood now said to be worth more than $15million.
It will be put up for sale once a new swimming pool is installed and the separate living quarters have been renovated.
