Actor David Eastgate's menacing phone call charge dismissed on mental health grounds
Actor and comedian David Eastgate, who pleaded guilty to making a menacing phone call to his former girlfriend, has had the charge dismissed on mental health grounds.
The performer, 40, who has appeared in drama series Doctor Doctor and stage production Muriel's Wedding The Musical, was in a relationship with the woman for about six months before they broke up in April 2018.
On December 26, Eastgate called the woman in a 33-second phone call, saying he "just want[ed] to have a quick chat".
Upon being asked who it was, he said, "Don’t you know my voice?" but wouldn't say his name.
According to a statement of agreed facts tendered in the Downing Centre Local Court, the woman said she felt "anxious and scared" following the phone call.
On December 29, he phoned the woman again, telling her, "I don’t want you involved in anything in my life. I'm not threatening violence. I've never threatened violence. Don't be friends with [another ex-girlfriend]."
At three minutes and 12 seconds into the 11½-minute phone call, Eastgate threatened, "You want to f--- with my life, and you want to get involved in my life, I'll get involved in your life. OK, I'm f---ing serious."
When the woman ended the phone call, Eastgate called her a further six times in five minutes but the calls were not answered.
Eastgate originally pleaded not guilty to two charges of using a carriage service to menace, harass or offend, with a hearing scheduled for early May.
But one count was withdrawn following negotiations with the prosecution, with Eastgate pleading guilty to the other.
The matter was adjourned to be dealt with under mental health provisions.
On Tuesday magistrate Jennifer Atkinson dismissed the charge and discharged Eastgate into the care of a doctor.
He was ordered to comply with a treatment plan for two years.