Home Alone actor Devin Ratray has pleaded guilty to two counts of domestic violence, in a deal that will keep him from spending time behind bars.
Ratray, who played older brother Buzz in the 1990 film and the sequel two years later, will serve three years probation. He has also been ordered to complete a Batterers Intervention Program, as well as drug and alcohol assessments, court documents reveal.
Ratray has already completed a required anger management training, The Oklahoman reports.
The 47-year-old initially pleaded not guilty in 2022 before the latest change in plea, with the case starting three years ago.
The celebrity will also be ordered to cover court costs and has been forbidden from contacting the victim, his ex-girlfriend.
Ratray was arrested in December 2021 after an alleged drunk altercation in a hotel in Oklahoma City. The couple were there for the Pop Christmas Con, and he allegedly became angry after she gave away free autograph cards to two women at a bar.
It’s claimed he pushed, punched and pressed his hands against the victim’s throat and mouth. The victim later testified she thought she was going to die after they returned to their room at the hotel.
Ratray was charged with felony domestic assault and battery by strangulation, as well as misdemeanour domestic assault and battery. Throughout the investigation, he was released on a $25,000 bond.
His jury trial was axed after the actor was hospitalized in New York City due to a heart issue and agreed to a guilty plea a month later. Ratray did not attend the sentencing hearing in person, and appeared via video link, following the recommendation from his cardiologist he shouldn’t travel.
The victim did not attend the court hearing either but sent a statement to the prosecutor who read it out loud.
“I am relieved that this chapter in my life is coming to an end, but the scars and trauma will never fully heal,” the statement read.
“No one should have to endure the fear and pain that I’ve experienced at the hands of someone they once cared for.”
“I want to make it clear that even one incident of domestic abuse is one too many,” she continued.
“No one should ever have to endure the physical and emotional abuse that I went through. I hope that by speaking out and sharing my story, I can encourage others to seek help and speak out against domestic violence. I want to send a message that abusers will face consequences for their actions and that victims deserve to be heard and believed.”
If you have been affected by issues raised in the story, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support.
