Home and Away star accused of assaulting a woman reveals his plea as his lawyer complains about police handling of the case: 'No idea where he was'
Former Home and Away star Orpheus Pledger will plead guilty to the alleged assault of a woman after allegedly escaping police and sparking a three-day manhunt.
Pledger's lawyer Jasper MacCuspie said his client intended to plead guilty to the charges during a hearing in Melbourne Magistrates Court on Friday.
The 30-year-old's arrest came after footage emerged of the actor allegedly dragging a woman to the ground by her hair before stomping on her head.
Pledger allegedly escaped from a court-ordered medical assessment at Royal Melbourne Hospital during the early hours of April 23.
Former Home and Away star Orpheus Pledger (pictured) will plead guilty to the alleged assault of a woman after allegedly escaping police and sparking a three-day manhunt
Orpheus Pledger's lawyer said his client intended to plead guilty to the charges during a hearing in Melbourne Magistrates Court on Friday
He was escorted by police from jail to the hospital about 3.30am, but by 9.10am still had not been seen by a doctor.
Pledger is alleged to have got up and walked out, in breach of his jail conditions.
His disappearance sparked a frantic three-day manhunt with police issuing a public appeal. He was arrested and returned to jail two days later.
Mr MacCuspie told the court that at 'no point' did the court or police let him know his client was back in custody.
'In some ways it lucky the media reported on it …. because I would have had no idea where he was,' he told the court on Friday.
'It's a bit concerning from our perspective.'
Police prosecutor Olivia Sparrow recommended in court last month that Pledger remain in custody as he was a 'unacceptable risk' to the community while homeless and allegedly suffering drug and mental health issues.
Ms Sparrow had previously raised concerns about the mental health assessment order as staff at the hospital can't physically stop him from leaving.
Magistrate Justin Foster also aired his concerns over the order as it meant Pledger could leave without being apprehended.
Pledger played Mason Morgan on Home and Away for 339 episodes from 2016 to 2019 when the his character was killed off. He also appeared on SAS Australia in 2022
'Clinically he might get on his drugs and whatever treatment he needs and show improvement. Then he can be released into the community,' he said.
'The risk of something further happening and having dire consequences is striking.'
Pledger played Mason Morgan on the soap for 339 episodes from 2016 to 2019 when his character was killed off.
He also appeared on Neighbours as Noah Parkin in 2011 and on the third season of SAS Australia in 2022 before he decided to quit the show.
Pledger has been in custody since his arrest on March 27.
He is scheduled to return to court on July 11.
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