USA: Actor Christian Slater acquitted of sexual abuse charges

A New York judge on Monday (September 19) dismissed indecent assault charges against actor Christian Slater, on condition he keeps out of trouble for six months. The 37-year-old was arrested in May after allegedly groping a woman late at night on a Manhattan street. He was charged with third degree sexual abuse, or forcible touching, that carries a maximum sentence of one year in prison. The actor had rejected a plea deal which would have spared him jail if he admitted to harassing the woman. During a pre-trial hearing at a Manhattan court today, prosecutors offered to adjourn the case "in contemplation of dismissal". The decision was accepted by all sides, meaning Slater will effectively be on probation for six months. If he does not reoffend within that time, all charges will be dropped. His attorney, Eric Franz, was pleased with the result and said afterwards, "The case is dismissed and we're pleased with the outcome." In 1997 Slater served 59 days of a three-month sentence after assaulting a girlfriend.

ITN Source | September 22, 2005

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