Australian actor Sam Worthington has avoided jail time by quietly settling assault and harassment charges, following an altercation with a photographer.
The New York Daily News reported that the "Avatar" actor and paparazzo Sheng Li were arrested, then hit with assault charges in February, after getting into a scuffle outside of a Big Apple bar. Reports at the time indicated that the two started fighting after an argument broke out between Li and Worthington's girlfriend, model Lara Bingle.
A police report claimed that the actor punched photographer Sheng Li multiple times in the face after Bingle said the paparazzo kicked her in the shin. The 37-year-old actor was charged with third-degree assault, third-degree attempted assault and second-degree harassment, all of which carry a maximum sentence of one year jail.
Worthington told authorities at the time: "I was just protecting my girlfriend."
Worthington entered into a conditional dismissal deal on April 8 after his arrest. A non-jail deal for his case was taken on the actor's behalf by his attorney, Stacey Richman, and will remain standard as long as the actor agrees to stay out of trouble. The results are for first-time offenders in low-level cases. No further requirements are attached to the deal.
Worthington was not present in Manhattan Criminal court for the April proceedings. He submitted a waiver explaining he was "contractually committed" to work in Europe which prevented his showing up.
According to the Daily News, a signed statement by the actor reads: "I understand that as long as I continue to lead a law abiding life, this matter will be dismissed and sealed."
Li was offered the same settlement deal during a hearing on April 1. Instead, the photographer rejected the offer and vowed to fight the charges.
