A former Home and Away star has been jailed for violently assaulting a woman whose head he stomped on before leading police on a three-day manhunt.
Orpheus Pledger, 31, pleaded guilty in Melbourne Magistrates Court to four assault charges in July after he attacked the woman on two separate occasions.
Magistrate Justin Foster today jailed the actor for seven months and imposed a 12-month community corrections order following his release.
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Shortly after midnight on March 1, Pledger kicked and punched the victim in the face after she raised concerns about his drug use and declining mental health.
He then attacked the same woman about 1.35am on March 25, dragging her by the hair and stomping on her face.
The victim had called Triple Zero when he arrived at the property and police reached the house at 1.50am to find her lying on the floor in pain.
She was taken to hospital with multiple bruises and cuts to her face and neck, with the marks matching the sole of Pledger’s shoe.
The 31-year-old was arrested but bailed on April 22 on the condition he undergo a court-ordered mental health assessment, but he absconded from the hospital the next morning
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A warrant was issued for his arrest, with the actor on the run from police for three days before he was remanded in custody again.
Pledger claimed his life spiralled out of control when he turned to drugs after missing out on a part in American drama show The 100, the magistrate said.
But Foster said Pledger had turned to drugs six years earlier.
In his sentencing remarks, he said Pledger could not use drugs as an excuse for the violence.
“Society is completely fed up with violence, fed up with domestic violence and fed up with male violence against women,” he said.
Pledger was taken into custody and will be released in under four months after already served 97 days.
Pledger appeared on Australian soap drama Home and Away between 2016 and 2019, and notched stints on SAS Australia in 2022 and Neighbours in 2011.
If you or someone you know is in need of support contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue. In the event of an emergency dial Triple Zero (000)
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