Melbourne, Victoria – Former “Home and Away” star Orpheus Pledger is facing accusations of violently assaulting a woman in Melbourne last month, with newly-released CCTV footage allegedly capturing the incident.
Pledger, who did not appear at a bail hearing in court, had reportedly left Royal Melbourne Hospital during the night while awaiting medical checks ordered by the court. The hearing, initially scheduled for Monday, was postponed to Tuesday after Pledger was taken to the hospital for a mental health assessment.
Detective Senior Constable Rhys Phillips described Pledger as a danger when unwell, highlighting the seriousness of the situation. The actor was supposed to finalize a bail application remotely in court but has been on remand since March 27 following the refusal of his bail application.
The alleged assault, which took place on March 25, resulted in the woman being hospitalized with injuries to her neck and face. Footage shown in court indicates a violent attack where Pledger is seen grabbing the woman, pulling her to the ground, and stomping on her head. The magistrate expressed concern over the severity of the incident, noting that the woman’s injuries aligned with Pledger’s footwear imprints.
During the bail application hearing, considerations were given to the safety of the public and the victim, as well as Pledger’s mental health and potential substance abuse issues. Court documents suggested an increased risk of further violence towards the victim if Pledger was released, while his lawyer argued for mental health treatment instead of continued custody.
Pledger’s bail was ultimately revoked, and his case is set for a future court date on May 10. The former actor, known for roles in various Australian TV shows, including “Home and Away,” faces a challenging legal battle ahead. His past participation in reality TV, like “SAS Australia,” has also come under scrutiny due to concerns over his behavior on set.