TV actor Orpheus Pledger fronts court on drug charges
A TV heart-throb facing drug charges made a bizarre virtual appearance in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court where he was puffing on a vape before being interrupted by his pet cat.
Police & Courts
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A TV heart-throb has vaped in court before asking a magistrate to “be gentle” on him as he faced court on drug charges.
Ex-Home And Away actor Orpheus Pledger beamed into the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court via video link from his living room after he was allegedly caught with ice and diazepam – also known as valium – at Prahran in February this year.
Mr Pledger could be seen puffing on a vape and petting his black cat while waiting for his matter to be called on Wednesday afternoon.
The 28-year-old wore a shearling jacket before he briefly switched his camera off and reappeared in a black T-shirt and large glasses.
The actor, who has appeared in several Australian television series including Neighbours and House Husbands, fronted court without a lawyer to request his matter be adjourned while he sought legal advice.
Mr Pledger argued details of his case should not be released to the media, with his submission briefly interrupted as his pet cat strolled across the screen prompting a chuckle from Magistrate Hugh Radford.
“Well, seeing as though I don’t have counsel present, I would like to keep things out of the media until the matter is resolved,’ Mr Pledger continued.
Asked by Mr Radford if he would like to say anything else about the matter, Mr Pledger responded: “Be gentle, your honour”.
“I always am,” Mr Radford said, before releasing charge sheets to the media.
Police allege the soap star was found in possession of half a gram of ice and 30 diazepam tablets on February 19.
Mr Pledger landed the role of Mason Morgan on the long running TV series Home And Away in 2016 before quitting three years later to pursue a career in music.
The matter will return to court on September 16.
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