OMEN
12-18-2007, 09:00 AM
Australian actor Samuel Johnson has escaped conviction for a drunken assault at a wedding reception, in which he stomped on a man's head.
Johnson - the former star of Aussie drama Secret Life Of Us - appeared in Sydney's Downing Centre court today where he pleaded guilty to the September 1 incident at Star City Casino.
Johnson, 29, had repeatedly punched guest Ben Benson, of Brisbane, before stomping on his head as he lay prone on the floor.
The court was told at the time of the offence Johnson was receiving treatment for depression following the suicide of his long-term partner Lainie Woodlands.
Magistrate Brian Maloney said he accepted the attack was out of character, and he also took into account Johnson's early contact with police the night of the offence.
"You couldn't get any earlier in point of time to ringing the police and saying I'm the person you are looking for, and by the way how is the victim doing?" Mr Maloney said.
He imposed a 12-month good behaviour bond, requiring Johnson to continue with his counselling, and no conviction was reported.
Outside the court, Johnson said he was sorry for the incident.
"I am very sorry it all happened, I was a bit of a nincompoop and I'm glad that it's all over. I'm looking forward to moving on.''
When asked if he had any message for Mr Benson, Johnson replied: "I can only reiterate my apologies.''
"I behaved like a goose and I've been remorseful since the moment it happened,'' he said.
AAP
Johnson - the former star of Aussie drama Secret Life Of Us - appeared in Sydney's Downing Centre court today where he pleaded guilty to the September 1 incident at Star City Casino.
Johnson, 29, had repeatedly punched guest Ben Benson, of Brisbane, before stomping on his head as he lay prone on the floor.
The court was told at the time of the offence Johnson was receiving treatment for depression following the suicide of his long-term partner Lainie Woodlands.
Magistrate Brian Maloney said he accepted the attack was out of character, and he also took into account Johnson's early contact with police the night of the offence.
"You couldn't get any earlier in point of time to ringing the police and saying I'm the person you are looking for, and by the way how is the victim doing?" Mr Maloney said.
He imposed a 12-month good behaviour bond, requiring Johnson to continue with his counselling, and no conviction was reported.
Outside the court, Johnson said he was sorry for the incident.
"I am very sorry it all happened, I was a bit of a nincompoop and I'm glad that it's all over. I'm looking forward to moving on.''
When asked if he had any message for Mr Benson, Johnson replied: "I can only reiterate my apologies.''
"I behaved like a goose and I've been remorseful since the moment it happened,'' he said.
AAP