Actor Gary Coleman pleaded no contest Tuesday to reckless driving and disorderly conduct charges stemming from an altercation he got into after a man snapped some pictures of him at at a bowling alley in September.
Coleman, donning a black cowboy hat, appeared in Payson City Justice Court with attorney Randy Kester at his side. Coleman — who is best known for his role as Arnold Jackson in the TV show "Diff'rent Strokes" — entered a plea of no contest to misdemeanor charges of disorderly conduct and reckless driving.
The atmosphere in the courtroom was cordial and friendly as Coleman, 40, entered his plea.
"I'd rather not see you here again," Judge David C. Dahlquist said.
"I would not like to see me here again either," Coleman smiled.
In exchange for his plea, prosecutors have agreed to hold those charges in abeyance for 12 months from the day of the incident, as long as Coleman doesn't violate any other laws. He was also required to pay a $100 fine for disorderly conduct and $200 to enter the plea in abeyance.
Coleman, wife Shannon Price and friend and/or bodyguard Paul Rohbock were bowling at South County Lanes on Sept. 6 when Colt Ruston, 24, recognized Coleman and started taking pictures of him. Rushton says Price and Rohbock took his phone away when he tried to take pictures of Coleman's specially adjusted driver seat in his truck. Rushton said he was struck when Coleman backed his truck out.
Dustin Lance, who represents Rushton in a separate civil suit filed against Coleman, asked the judge to be heard on restitution for Rushton's medical bills. He claims Rushton has already accumulated a medical bill of nearly $10,000 as a result of that incident. Coleman's attorney said he thought it would be redundant to address that issue when a civil suit has already been filed.
"I just don't think this is the appropriate forum," he said.
Dahlquist ruled the court may consider restitution at the end of Coleman's probation if it is not settled in the civil case.
Outside the court house, Coleman said his lawyer will fight hard to protect his wallet. He also said he understands a celebrity can't go anywhere without causing some kind of stir, but he's certain the attention will blow over soon.
"Two years from now you'll all be standing here going, 'What did we cover that for?'" he said to reporters.
Posted by Salt Lake City, Utah, Personal Injury Attorney, Dustin Lance
http://deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,705267556,00.html
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