Ex-Neighbours star dodges court record for assault charge
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You might recognise Scott McGregor as Police Detective Mark Brennan from the popular soap Neighbours, where he appeared from 2010 to 2020.
However, McGregor has now caught public attention for a different reason.
The former Neighbours actor recently had a court appearance about an incident at The Espy, a well-known beach-side pub in Melbourne.
Last November, McGregor faced charges for allegedly assaulting a female patron at The Espy around 8 pm on February 20, 2022.
But during his recent appearance in the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Monday, a surprising and unexpected development in the case was revealed.
According to the prosecution's account, the incident was deemed a 'non-sexual episode', leading to the withdrawal of the initial charge of intentional sexual touching without consent. Instead, McGregor agreed to a charge of common law assault.
The prosecution and defence teams presented arguments in favour of pursuing a 'diversion' route, which would avoid a recorded criminal conviction. Magistrate Simon Zebrowski agreed with this approach and placed McGregor on this path.
'The summary I have taken account of is one momentary, very slight touch—that’s all,' he said. 'It’s an appropriate matter for diversion, no doubt about that.'
This decision implies that McGregor didn't admit or was officially found guilty. He was instructed to write an apology to the complainant and the police informant, in addition to making a $300 donation to a charity of his choice by December.
As a result, once these steps are completed, the charge will be erased from the records, effectively treating it as though it never occurred.
McGregor has enjoyed success in the entertainment industry, also appearing in Underbelly and Offspring and hosting the motoring show Blood, Sweat and Gears for two seasons.
This isn't the actor’s first encounter with legal disputes. In 2019, McGregor was embroiled in a legal matter following an incident at the Hollywood Showgirls Club on the Gold Coast of Queensland.
During this incident, Danielle 'Ivy' Lee, an exotic dancer, angrily hurled a glass at McGregor's face, resulting in a minor cut requiring three stitches.
Lee pleaded not guilty to the charge of assault occasioning bodily harm. Her defence rested on the assertion that McGregor had verbally harassed her after her attempt to engage with him at the club.
However, the court deemed her reaction disproportionate given the circumstances, leading to her conviction. The court chose to spare her a formal conviction and released her on a $1000 good behaviour bond.
Moreover, she was instructed to reimburse McGregor's medical expenses, totalling $80.
Staying in control and being aware of our surroundings is crucial for everyone's safety in various situations. If you or someone you know faces an assault, it's vital to speak to someone and report the incident to the police.
Members, we'd like to hear your opinions on this matter. Do you think the trial was fair, or do you suspect there was an element of 'celebrity privilege' at play? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below!
However, McGregor has now caught public attention for a different reason.
The former Neighbours actor recently had a court appearance about an incident at The Espy, a well-known beach-side pub in Melbourne.
Last November, McGregor faced charges for allegedly assaulting a female patron at The Espy around 8 pm on February 20, 2022.
But during his recent appearance in the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Monday, a surprising and unexpected development in the case was revealed.
A former Neighbours star must write an apology note after admitting to an assault at an iconic Melbourne venue. Credit: Instagram/scottymcgregor.
According to the prosecution's account, the incident was deemed a 'non-sexual episode', leading to the withdrawal of the initial charge of intentional sexual touching without consent. Instead, McGregor agreed to a charge of common law assault.
The prosecution and defence teams presented arguments in favour of pursuing a 'diversion' route, which would avoid a recorded criminal conviction. Magistrate Simon Zebrowski agreed with this approach and placed McGregor on this path.
'The summary I have taken account of is one momentary, very slight touch—that’s all,' he said. 'It’s an appropriate matter for diversion, no doubt about that.'
This decision implies that McGregor didn't admit or was officially found guilty. He was instructed to write an apology to the complainant and the police informant, in addition to making a $300 donation to a charity of his choice by December.
As a result, once these steps are completed, the charge will be erased from the records, effectively treating it as though it never occurred.
McGregor has enjoyed success in the entertainment industry, also appearing in Underbelly and Offspring and hosting the motoring show Blood, Sweat and Gears for two seasons.
This isn't the actor’s first encounter with legal disputes. In 2019, McGregor was embroiled in a legal matter following an incident at the Hollywood Showgirls Club on the Gold Coast of Queensland.
During this incident, Danielle 'Ivy' Lee, an exotic dancer, angrily hurled a glass at McGregor's face, resulting in a minor cut requiring three stitches.
Lee pleaded not guilty to the charge of assault occasioning bodily harm. Her defence rested on the assertion that McGregor had verbally harassed her after her attempt to engage with him at the club.
However, the court deemed her reaction disproportionate given the circumstances, leading to her conviction. The court chose to spare her a formal conviction and released her on a $1000 good behaviour bond.
Moreover, she was instructed to reimburse McGregor's medical expenses, totalling $80.
Staying in control and being aware of our surroundings is crucial for everyone's safety in various situations. If you or someone you know faces an assault, it's vital to speak to someone and report the incident to the police.
Members, we'd like to hear your opinions on this matter. Do you think the trial was fair, or do you suspect there was an element of 'celebrity privilege' at play? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below!
