Orpheus Pledger updates — Australian former Home and Away star arrested in three-day manhunt after alleged assault

Who did Orpheus Pledger play in Home and Away?

The former child star played Mason Morgan on the hit Aussie soap.

He appeared in 339 episodes between the years of 2016 and 2019.

The actor chose to leave the role in 2019 and was killed off in the season finale at the end of that year.

Magistrate expressed frustration in court after Pledger escaped

Magistrate Justin Foster was reportedly frustrated when Pledger failed to show up to his bail hearing on Tuesday after he escaped from hospital during a court-ordered medical assessment.

Foster said he would not grant a similar order again after he "bent over backwards to try and offer someone mental health treatment as they require".

Foster also expressed concern that a mental health patient had been left untreated and unseen for so many hours.

Police warned that Pledger was 'a danger' before he escaped

During a bail hearing on Monday, police reportedly protested arguments made by Orpheus Pledger's lawyer for him to be moved to a treatment facility.

The actor's lawyer, Matthew MacCuspie, argued that Pledger's mental health was at risk whilst he remained behind bars.

Police protested those claims, citing concerns about security and risk of absconding. Detective Senior Constable Rhys Phillips reportedly said: “When he is unwell, he is a danger.”

However, a magistrate agreed for Pledger to undergo involuntary inpatient mental health care under police escort.

Pledger is believed to have escaped while waiting to receive treatment at Royal Melbourne Hospital, sparking a manhunt by police.

Police confirmed he was found and taken into custody on Thursday.

Who is Orpheus Pledger?

Orpheus Pledger is a former child star who played Mason Morgan on the Aussie soap Home and Away for 339 episodes between 2016 and 2019.

Pledger shot to stardom as a child actor at just eight years old after his role in the kids series Sliversun.

He later joined the cast of Neighbours as Noah Parkin in 2011 before appearing in Home and Away.

The actor chose to leave the role in 2019 and was killed off in the season finale in November.

In February 2022, he starred in season three of SAS Australia but voluntarily withdrew after just two days.

He left during a psychological evaluation with Ant Middleton and Doctor Dan where they discussed his erratic behaviour.

Pledger due in court in May

Orpheus Pledger is scheduled to appear in Melbourne Magistrates' Court on May 10 for allegedly assaulting a woman.

The former Home and Away star is back in custody after reportedly absconding from Royal Melbourne Hospital during a court-ordered medical assessment on Monday, breaching his bail conditions and sparking a three-day manhunt.

Police said he was found and arrested on Thursday night.

Victim thought Pledger would 'eventually kill her'

Pledger's alleged victim said in court that she believed he would "eventually kill her" during the attack.

The Australian actor allegedly dragged the woman to the ground and stomped on her head.

She suffered severe injuries including a haematoma on her head, cuts to her cheek and bruises.

Police have suggested the attack left marks on her face that showed a "similar resemblance" to the pattern on the sole of Vans trainers - which Pledger owned.

Harrowing CCTV images of Pledger's alleged attack

CCTV footage released by the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Tuesday shows the moment Orpheus Pledger allegedly dragged a woman to the ground before stomping on her head.

The clip shows an unnamed woman being grabbed from behind by her hair as she is pulled to the ground.

The attack allegedly carried out by Pledger happens just off camera but an eerie shadow appears to show him stomping on the female victim's head.

Timeline of three-day manhunt for Orpheus Pledger

• Pledger was first arrested on March 25 for allegedly assaulting a woman and put into a pre-trial detention.
• Following his arrest, a magistrate agreed for Pledger to undergo involuntary inpatient mental health care under police escort.
• Pledger is believed to have walked out of the Royal Melbourne Hospital at 6.10pm on Monday after waiting six hours for an appointment, in breach of his bail conditions.
• He was due to face court on Tuesday but failed to show, with his lawyer saying he had escaped.
• On Wednesday police issued an arrest warrant for the actor.
• Victorian Police confirmed he had been found and taken into custody on Thursday.

Pledger struggled since leaving Home and Away

Orpheus Pledger has been reportedly showing signs of "problematic behaviour" since leaving Home and Away in 2019.

The former child star played Mason Morgan on the hit Aussie soap, appearing in 339 episodes between 2016 and 2019.

The Daily Mail Australia reports that an anonymous source close to Pledger says the actor has been struggling since leaving the show.

"Orpheus has been exerting this problematic behaviour for a while, since he relocated back to Melbourne after his character was killed off," the source said.

Who to contact

Police are searching for actor Orpheus Pledger after he failed to attend Melbourne Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

The actor has been accused of accused of assaulting a woman.

Anyone with other information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Orpheus Pledger pictured

Actor quit SAS: Who Dares Wins

Orpheus Pledger appeared in the third series of SAS Australia: Who Dares Wins, but his time on the show was short-lived.

The actor quit the show after two days when hosts became concerned about his “erratic behaviour” around the camp.

Orpheus also starred in Neighbours in 2011 before joining the cast of Home and Away in 2016.

He would appear in the soap for three years.

Earlier in his career, the actor had stints in Silversun and CrashBurn.

Star first arrested in 2021

Orpheus Pledger was previously arrested on drug charges in 2021 after he was found carrying crystal meth and valium.

He was handed a good behaviour order for six months, made to complete a drug awareness course plus pay a £78 fine ($150AUD).

He was also spared a criminal record and did not appear in court to face the charges.

Actor's manager reacts to arrest warrant

Orpheus Pledger’s manager, Craig McMahon, told the Sydney Morning Herald that he had not been in contact with his client this week.

McMahon added that he was shocked by the assault allegations and that Pledger had been struggling with mental health issues.

“We are absolutely devastated. This is a young man. It’s awful on every account for everyone involved,” he told the newspaper.

“I have no doubt Orpheus has been completely let down by the system, and I can only imagine how many other people out there needing help – and needing help desperately – are not getting it.”

Pledger's mental health struggles

Following his initial arrest, Orpheus Pledger's lawyer, Matthew MacCuspie, argued that his mental health was at risk whilst he remained behind bars.

A magistrate then agreed for Pledger to undergo involuntary inpatient mental health care this week under police escort.

However, while waiting to be treated, the actor seemingly escaped Royal Melbourne Hospital while under police supervision.

Magistrate Justin Foster said he would not grant a similar order again after he "bent over backwards to try and offer someone mental health treatment as they require".

Who did Orpheus Pledger play in Home and Away?

The former child star played Mason Morgan on the hit Aussie soap.

He appeared in 339 episodes between the years of 2016 and 2019.

The actor chose to leave the role in 2019 and was killed off in the season finale at the end of that year.

Police launch manhunt

Victoria Police have issued a warrant for the arrest of Home and Away star Orpheus Pledger.

The soap actor was due to attend Melbourne Magistrates Court on Tuesday after being accused of assaulting a woman.

Victoria Police have now issued an arrest warrant for the 30-year-old actor.

They said: "The 30-year-old is wanted on warrant in relation for failing to appear for an assault-related matter.

"He is known to frequent Northcote and surrounding areas."

Manager’s comments on Pledger criticised

Orpheus Pledger’s manager has been criticised for sympathising with an alleged abuser on social media.

Craig McMahon told the Sydney Morning Herald that he was shocked by the assault allegations made against his client and brought up his mental health issues.

Many were furious with McMahon’s comments calling Pledger a “young man” and seemingly painting him as a victim.

“For the record Pledger is 30. I’d hardly call a violent 30 year old man ‘young’,” said one person on X.

“Craig McMahon, you *ARE* part of the problem, your comment is just shite,” said another. “This is NOT a women’s issue. This is 100% a men’s issue.”

“Just when will the message get through,” added another.

Pledger’s manager shocked by assault allegations

Orpheus Pledger’s manager, Craig McMahon, told the Sydney Morning Herald that he had not been in contact with his client this week.

McMahon added that he was shocked by the assault allegations and that Pledger had been struggling with mental health issues.

“We are absolutely devastated. This is a young man. It’s awful on every account for everyone involved,” he told the newspaper.

“I have no doubt Orpheus has been completely let down by the system, and I can only imagine how many other people out there needing help – and needing help desperately – are not getting it.”

Why wasn't Pledger in jail?

Pledger was arrested just days after the alleged assault in March.

His lawyer, Matthew MacCuspie, argued that Pledger's mental health was at risk whilst he remained behind bars.

A magistrate then agreed for Pledger to undergo involuntary inpatient mental health care this week under police escort.

He is believed to have got up and walked out of the hospital at 6.10pm after waiting six hours for his appointment - breaching his bail conditions.

It is unclear how Pledger managed to escape while under police watch.

His bail application was delayed until Tuesday and he was expected to appear via video link but could not be contacted.

Magistrate Justin Foster said he would not grant a similar order again after he "bent over backwards to try and offer someone mental health treatment as they require".

He also expressed concern that a mental health patient had been left untreated and unseen for so many hours.

Pledger was arrested in 2021

Orpheus Pledger was reviously arrested on drug charges in 2021 after he was found carrying crystal meth and valium.

He was handed a good behaviour order for six months, made to complete a drug awareness course plus pay a £78 fine ($150AUD).

He was also spared a criminal record and did not appear in court to face the charges.

Who is Orpheus Pledger?

Orpheus Pledger is a former child star who played Mason Morgan on the Aussie soap Home and Away for 339 episodes between 2016 and 2019.

Pledger shot to stardom as a child actor at just eight years old after his role in the kids series Sliversun.

He later joined the cast of Neighbours as Noah Parkin in 2011 before appearing in Home and Away.

The actor chose to leave the role in 2019 and was killed off in the season finale in November.

In February 2022, he starred in season three of SAS Australia but voluntarily withdrew after just two days.

He left during a psychological evaluation with Ant Middleton and Doctor Dan where they discussed his erratic behaviour.

Orpheus Pledger description

Australian actor Orpheus Pledger is on the run from police after failing to attend Melbourne Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

The Home and Away actor is accused of assaulting a woman.

Victoria Police have launched a public appeal for help, describing him as "approximately 170cm [5ft 7in] tall with brown hair and tanned complexion" in a public statement.

They added the 30-year-old is "known to frequent Northcote and surrounding areas.”