Orpheus Pledger was already on bail awaiting the outcome of his appeal. (AAP: James Ross)
In short:
Former soap actor Orpheus Pledger had previously been sentenced to seven months’ jail over his attack on a woman.
On Tuesday his sentence was reduced to the time he has already served.
What’s next?
Pledger will have his community corrections order increased from 12 months to two years and will have to complete 150 hours of community service.
A former Home and Away actor who bashed a woman during a drug-fuelled attack has succeeded in an appeal to reduce his jail sentence.
Orpheus Pledger, who played Mason Morgan on the TV soap opera, was in court on Tuesday to challenge a seven-month sentence handed down in August.
Pledger already spent 97 days in jail, but has been in the community on bail while waiting for the appeal to be heard.
Orpheus Pledger starred in Australian soap operas Home and Away and Neighbours. (IMDb)
On Tuesday, Judge Michael Tinney agreed with Pledger’s lawyers that the 31-year-old had spent enough time in custody.
However the judge increased the length of a community corrections order from 12 months to two years, meaning Pledger could be sent back to prison if he was caught committing further crimes.
“The 97 days you’ve spent in prison, that surely would have a role in deterring you in the future,” the judge said.
“You’ve seen the inside of an adult prison. You know what lies ahead if you reoffend.”
Pledger will have to complete 150 hours of unpaid community work and participate in rehabilitation programs as part of the order.
Victim asked judge to show leniency to Pledger
In March, Pledger dragged his victim to the ground by the hair, before kicking her and stomping on her head in an unprovoked attack.
The woman, who can’t be identified for legal reasons, came to the County Court to support his appeal bid on Tuesday.
She wrote two letters to the court, calling on the judge to show leniency.
Judge Tinney called Pledger’s offending “pretty dreadful” and said a clear explanation for Pledger’s actions still hadn’t been provided.
“It seems plain you must have been acting in some form of delusional state,” he said.
Judge Tinney said assessment reports showed Pledger had failed to turn up to recent treatment sessions, and his behaviour since October had been described as “concerning” by a counsellor.
Pledger also admitted not taking his full dose of anti-psychotic medication and was in denial about his mental health issues, the judge said.
Pledger supported by family in court
In August, Magistrate Justin Foster described Pledger’s actions as “worthy of strong condemnation”, saying society was fed up with domestic violence against women.
Magistrate Foster’s original sentence consisted of seven months’ jail and a further 12-month community corrections order upon his release.
Pledger, who has a drug addiction, was the subject of a three-day police manhunt in April after he breached his bail conditions.
Victoria Police issued a warrant for Orpheus Pledger’s arrest in April. (Supplied: Victoria Police)
He was re-arrested and then spent three months in custody.
In August, the actor turned up to court looking dishevelled in a torn, black jumper.
On Tuesday, his appearance was vastly different as he sat in the court dock. Pledger, who wore a checked shirt and clear-rimmed glasses, listened attentively during the hearing. He was supported in court by family members, including his father and brother.
Judge Tinney said Pledger had no prior criminal history for violence, but noted the actor’s deterioration over the past five years.
“You have been drifting and surely that must coincide with use of the drugs,” he said.
Pledger, who departed court wearing a face mask, made no comment as he left in a waiting car.
