Twist in Neighbors stars court case

[ad_1]

Police will ask a court to dismiss a sexual assault charge against a former Neighbors star on one condition.

Are you in trouble with the law? Or did you suddenly find yourself on the other side of the thin blue line? Whether you’re guilty or not, here’s what to expect when you face criminal charges.

The former police officer and TV model was charged with intentional sexual touching without consent in November last year.

The charge related to an alleged incident at the iconic St Kilda beach pub ‘The Espy’ at around 8pm on February 20, 2022.

Mr McGregor had pleaded not guilty and was due to fight the allegation at a two-day hearing next month.

Actor Scott McGregor will see a sexual assault charge dismissed if he pleads guilty to assault. Photo: Instagram/@scottymcgregor

But in a special mention ahead of Friday’s hearing, prosecutors told the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court that there had been ongoing discussions with Mr McGregor’s lawyers and the matter “was resolved”.

Magistrate Donna Bakos was told that a new common law assault charge had been filed and the sexual touching charge would be struck out.

The prosecutor said police would ask that the sexual touching charge be dropped “when I have Mr. McGregor in court saying; ‘yes, I will accept that’”.

Scott McGregor played police detective Mark Brennan in Neighbours. Picture: Provided.

Mr McGregor’s lawyer, Thomas Isaacs, asked the court to adjourn the case until August 14, signaling that he would ask for the matter to be resolved with a notice of diversion.

Ms Bakos said the alleged victim “must be given the opportunity” to make a statement in court.

McGregor, who played police detective Mark Brennan on Ramsay St for a decade, also appeared on Australian series Underbelly and Offspring and hosted car show Blood, Sweat and Gears for two seasons.

He will return to court in August.

[ad_2]