Actor Craig McLachlan has successfully applied today to fight indecent assault charges in Melbourne’s Magistrates Court rather than the County Court, where he would face heavier penalties if found guilty.
The 53-year-old, who appeared in court today and is set to face nine charges, said nothing to reporters as he left, holding hands with his partner, Vanessa Scammell.
McLachlan now faces seven counts of indecent assault, after one was dropped, along with one count of assault and one attempted indecent assault.
"They are offences that are commonly dealt with in this jurisdiction," magistrate Joanne Metcalfe said before granting the application.
"There is clearly adequate sentencing capacity in this jurisdiction."
His lawyer was granted permission to appear on McLachlan’s behalf at future hearings so he does not have to travel from NSW.
A contest mention has been set for June 13.
McLachlan allegedly committed the offences between late-April and mid-July in 2014 in Melbourne.
Around that time, McLachlan was starring in the Rocky Horror Show stage production, playing Dr Frank-N-Furter.
The actor became a household name for his roles on Australian soap operas Neighbours and Home and Away.
He won a Gold Logie in 1990 and more recently he has led the Ballarat-filmed TV series Doctor Blake Mysteries.