AdvertisementExclusive NationalWACourts Tech billionaire Laurence Escalante accused of assaulting ex-partner Rachael Clifford Rebecca Peppiatt and January 30, 2026 — 5:40pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Got it Share A A AWest Australian tech billionaire Laurence Escalante has faced court charged with family violence and drug-related offences, accused of assaulting his 24-year-old ex-partner. Tech billionaire Laurence Escalante (centre, in black) leaves Perth Magistrates Court on Friday. AdvertisementThe court heard that in July 2025, Escalante allegedly assaulted the victim by punching her in the face while they were being driven in a car. Prosecutors alleged Escalante showed a repeated pattern of “coercive, violent and controlling behaviour” throughout the course of the relationship.