July 3rd 2024.
A former star of the popular TV show Home and Away has found himself in a bit of trouble. Orpheus Pledger, who is now 31 years old, was arrested for violently attacking a woman and then evading police for several days. He appeared in court this morning for his sentencing hearing, but unfortunately, it was adjourned for six more weeks.
The magistrate, Justin Foster, explained that Corrections Victoria needed more time to complete a thorough report on Pledger's mental health and issues with drug use. Foster stated that the offenses committed by Pledger were quite serious, and it was necessary to understand whether he was experiencing a drug-induced psychosis or other mental health problems at the time of the assaults.
Pledger, who played a role on Home and Away from 2016 to 2019, did not say anything during the brief hearing on Wednesday. He had already pleaded guilty to repeatedly assaulting the woman. The first attack occurred just after midnight on March 1st when Pledger kicked and punched the victim in the face after she expressed concerns about his drug use and declining mental health. Then, on March 25th at 1:35 am, he attacked the same woman again, dragging her by her hair and stomping on her face.
The victim had called emergency services when Pledger arrived at her property, and the police arrived at 1:50 am to find her injured on the floor. She was taken to the hospital with bruises and cuts on her face and neck that matched the sole of Pledger's shoe. The 31-year-old was arrested and then bailed on April 22nd, on the condition that he undergo a mental health assessment ordered by the court. However, he absconded from the hospital the following morning, and a warrant was issued for his arrest. He managed to evade police for three days before he was finally remanded in custody again.
Pledger has already spent 96 days in pre-sentence detention, but the prosecutors are pushing for a longer sentence. His lawyer, Jasper MacCuspie, stated that he would file a bail application if the magistrate decided to wait another six weeks before sentencing, as it would be unfair to his client. MacCuspie argued that Pledger should have been released from custody today, as he has already served enough time.
Foster assured MacCuspie that he would consider a bail application if necessary, but he also mentioned that he was still undecided on whether Pledger had served enough time in jail. Pledger will make a bail application this afternoon, and his sentence will be heard on August 16th.
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