By Edward Griffin
Mel Gibson’s former girlfriend Oksana Grigorieva will continue with her plans for a civil lawsuit against her former partner, her lawyer has confirmed. Gibson yesterday entered a plea of 'no contest' in the criminal battery case involving Grigorieva. The court sentenced him to 16 hours of community service and 52 weeks of counseling. Celebrity website TMZ reported that following the hearing, Grigeorieva's lawyer confirmed her intention to sue Gibson, alleging "battery, emotional distress and defamation." Legal representative Daniel Horowitz told the website: "Our position hasn't changed."
Oksana is currently involved in a custody battle with Mel over their 17-month old daughter, Lucia. It is learnt that Oksana will get no help from the plea bargain in a civil lawsuit, because Mel did not admit to guilt. Yesterday it was revealed in the court that Mel is presently undergoing psychological counseling and the Lethal Weapon star is doing so as part of the deal he reached with prosecutors. The 55-year-old star was also served with a protective order not to "threaten or harass anyone involved in the case". Mel has to serve 16 hours of community service with the organization Mending Kids International in addition to probation and counseling.
Earlier this week, Mel's lawyer, Blair Berk had said that the actor had accepted the plea deal to escape a long court fight. Gibson is an Irish-American actor, film director, producer and screenwriter. He became a huge name in Hollywood after appearing in the Mad Max and Lethal Weapon series. He has also directed and acted in the Academy Award-winning Braveheart.
