According to sources Mel Gibson pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor battery on a spouse or cohabitant in Los Angeles Superior Court on Friday, resulting from an alleged January 2010 incident with his then girlfriend.
No contest Gibson told the judge when she asked for his plea, with the actor citing People Vs. west which allowed him not to admit liability in the case.
As a result of his plea, Gibson was sentenced to 52 weeks of counseling in a domestic violence program, which he and his attorney revealed in court he has already begun. However, Gibson will not be given credit for the work he has already done and he myust enroll in the program within the next 21 days. He must show proof of enrollment in the domestic violence counseling program by June 9th,2011. And complete it by March of next year. Also, a protective order was put into place.
Mel Gibson was also ordered to perform 16 hours of community service, which he will do with Mending Kids International, an organization where Gibson’s estranged wife is the president.
In addition to placing Gibson on criminal probation for 36 months, the judge ordered Gibson to continue in a mental health counseling program. With his undisclosed doctor. You continue treatment that you already, on your own have undertaken, the judge said.
Mel Gibson is entering this plead because its in the best interest of his children, said in court. Gibson appeared at the court house in one vehicle and his attorney in another, and Mel Gibson did not address the media. While in court the actor appeared attentive, but spoke very little, answering the judge’s questions in just a few words. The judge did not order any jail time for the actor.