No Jail for Mel Gibson; Pleads No Contest, Gets Community Service

Oscar winner placed on probation; must complete 16 hours of community service and counseling

Updated: 2:01 p.m. PST

Don't call Mel Gibson "jailbird."

The actor pled no contest to a misdemeanor battery charge in a Los Angeles court room on Friday afternoon.

He has been placed on probation for the next 36 months, must do 16 hours of community service and attend counseling. 

That may not be too hard. TMZ is reporting that Gibson will be doing his community service at Mending KIds International, which is run by his ex-wife Robyn.

Gibson was accused of striking his ex-girlfriend Oksana Grigorieva. By accepting a plea agreement, he has avoided jail time. 

Moreover, he has entered what is known as a "West Plea," which allows the Oscar winner to maintain his innocence.

“He is entering this plea because it’s in the best interest of his children,” Gibson's attorney Blair Burke said. 

In addition, Gibson has to enter into a 52 week domestic violence counseling program.

Gibson's ex-girlfriend Grigorieva was not in court when Gibson's sentence was read. 

The "Braveheart" star will also pay a $400 domestic violence fine. 

Earlier:

Mel Gibson has been charged with misdemeanor battery involving a series of fights with ex-girlfriend Oksana Grigorieva. 

Tapes of Gibson ranting at Grigorieva and threatening her became a public relations fiasco for the actor last spring when they leaked online. 

He will appear at an arraignment hearing Friday at 1:30 p.m., where he is expected to accept a plea agreement in order to avoid jail time. 

"Mel's priority throughout all of this has been that the best interests of his young daughter Lucia and the rest of his children be put first in any decisions made. It is with only that in mind that he asked me to approach the District Attorney with a proposal that would bring all of this to an immediate end," Gibson's attorney Blair Burke said in a statement earlier this week.

The Los Angeles District Attorney's office announced that it will not press charges against Grigorieva for extortion. 

“There is insufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the crime of attempted extortion was committed," a spokesperson for the D.A. told TheWrap.

Gibson and Grigorieva have a daughter together, Lucia Gibson. 

Comments