Can Hollywood's former blue-eyed boy earn redemption? Mel Gibson is hoping to start a new chapter in his life after pleading "no contest" to a misdemeanour battery charge at the weekend. The troubled Hollywood star was placed on probation for 36 months and ordered to attend a year of domestic violence and mental health counselling. He will also perform 16 hours of community service at Mending Kids International, a charity which lists his ex-wife, Robyn, as president of the board of directors.
A misdeamour charge is generally considered to be a lesser criminal act than a felony charge in the US. Mel was accused of "wilfully and unlawfully" using force and violence against former girlfriend Oksana Grigorieva, the mother of 17-month-old Lucia – one of his eight children. During the hearing, the 55-year-old actor looked sombre and spoke politely to the judge.
"I have a good grasp of everything my attorney has discussed with me, yes," he told Judge Stephanie Sautner. His ex chose to stay away. Afterwards, her lawyers said: "Ms. Grigorieva will now concentrate on co-parenting Lucia, resuming her charitable work for the children of Chernobyl and moving forward with her life."