The multi-millionaire owner of Ultra Tune will fight allegations he stalked and assaulted his former model partner.

Sean Buckley returned before the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Thursday where the allegations were set down for a contested hearing in October next year.

The court was told earlier this year Mr Buckley had been committed to stand trial in the County Court, however, this was “remitted” to the lower court for a magistrate-only hearing at the request of his lawyers.

The 62-year-old has pleaded not guilty to common law assault and stalking.

He is also facing charges of maintaining a listening device and installing an optical surveillance device.

Prosecutors will allege Mr Buckley assaulted Jennifer Cruz Cole, with whom he shares a child, in a Crown Towers apartment in Melbourne on January 18, 2020.

The auto-parts franchise mogul is also accused of orchestrating a stalking campaign against his then-girlfriend the same year, which included having surveillance devices installed.

In court, his lawyer, Dermot Dann KC, told Magistrate Andrew McKenna they were prepared for the case to be set down for a hearing but needed a two-day preliminary hearing to “iron out the legal issues”.

He estimated the contested hearing would run for seven to 10 days.

Mr Buckley will return to court in September next year for a special mention ahead of the contested hearing in October.

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