Mel Gibson was sentenced Friday in a Los Angeles courtroom to three years probation, a year-long domestic violence counseling program, community service and various fines in his battery case involving his ex-girlfriend.
A calm-looking Gibson, 55, wearing a navy blue suit, pleaded no contest to one misdemeanor count of domestic violence allegedly committed against Oksana Grigorieva in January 2010. Gibson made no statements other than to acknowledge his plea to the judge and to say that he understood the proceedings.
It was also revealed in court that Gibson is undergoing psychological counseling as part of his plea deal reached with prosecutors. He was also served with a protective order not to "threaten or harass anyone involved in the case."
By pleading no contest, Gibson "may maintain his innocence and does so now," his attorney Blair Berk told Judge Stephanie Sautner. "He's entering his plea because it's in the best interest of his children."
In addition to probation and counseling, Gibson will be completing 16 hours of community service with Mending Kids International, an organization which has Gibson's soon-to-be-ex-wife Robyn Gibson on the board of directors.
"Ms. Grigorieva will now concentrate on co-parenting Lucia, resuming her charitable work for the children of Chernobyl and moving forward with her life," her attorneys said in a statement, expressing their satisfaction with the plea.
The Russian musician alleged Gibson punched her in the head and face more than once at the actor's Malibu home. He admitted to slapping her in order to restrain her from shaking their baby, Lucia, while the couple were arguing.
Gibson, meanwhile, alleged Grigorieva tried to extort him for millions with recorded phone conversations, although prosecutors confirmed that she won't be charged with a crime.
source:people.com/With reporting by HOWARD BREUER
