File Picture (AFP)
“That ’70s Show” actor Danny Masterson was sentenced to 30 years to life in jail for raping two girls.
The 47-year-old actor and distinguished Scientologist, who starred within the retro TV comedy for eight seasons till 2006, was convicted in May in a second trial. A jury deadlocked on a cost that he raped a 3rd lady.
Judge Charlaine Olmedo of Los Angeles Superior Court imposed the utmost sentence allowed by regulation. Masterson, who has been in jail since his conviction, might be eligible for parole in 25-1/2 years.
The case drew consideration partially as a result of Masterson met the ladies via the Church of Scientology, and his accusers stated the organisation discouraged them from contacting regulation enforcement.
The Church of Scientology denied that declare and stated Masterson’s faith shouldn’t have been a difficulty within the case, calling it “an unprecedented violation of the First Amendment”.
The girls stated Masterson drugged and raped them in separate incidents between 2001 and 2003 at his home within the Hollywood Hills.
With his spouse, actor Bijou Phillips, and his brother, Malcolm within the Middle actor Christopher Masterson seated close by, Masterson confirmed little response on Thursday as the ladies gave sufferer impression statements. He was supplied the prospect to talk, however declined.
The victims informed the decide that Masterson ruined their lives and requested that he obtain a sentence of life in jail.
Defence legal professional Shawn Holley stated Masterson deliberate to enchantment primarily based on what she described as substantial errors within the case.
Allegations towards Masterson harm his profession. When he was first accused of sexually assaulting a number of girls in 2017, he was fired from the Netflix sequence The Ranch.
