Police drop Pesci assault action
Quote:
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/image...sciapindex.jpg
Pesci recently finished filming with Goodfellas co-star Robert De Niro
Actor Joe Pesci has been told he will not face charges over allegations that he assaulted a member of the public.
Prosecutors in Florida say there is not enough evidence for action against the actor over claims he punched a fan who photographed him at a shopping centre.
They say police were unable to decide who was "the primary aggressor" and had no witnesses to the alleged incident.
Juan Carlos Montenegro, 24, had claimed Pesci punched him after he took a photo of the star against his wishes.
Assistant state attorney Jill Estey Richstone said there was no likelihood of achieving a conviction.
Oscar winner
"The investigating officer was unable to determine who the primary aggressor was and there are no independent witnesses to the incident," she said.
Mr Montenegro, a local student, told police he shook the actor's hand and told him he was a big fan, after encountering Pesci in a shopping centre car park on 22 January.
When Mr Montenegro ignored Pesci's request not to take a photo, he alleged the actor hit him in the mouth.
Pesci is best known for his best supporting Oscar-winning role in the 1990 gangster film Goodfellas.
He was nominated in the same category for Raging Bull in 1981, with other memorable roles including Casino and Lethal Weapon 3 and 4.
BBC
