A Geelong bodybuilder, who shot to fame portraying a young Arnold Schwarzenegger, has been spared a conviction after he stabbed a car tyre in a fit of rage.
Three-time Mr Universe winner Calum von Moger appeared in Melbourne Magistrates Court on Wednesday where he learned his fate over a road rage incident earlier this year.
The 32-year-old, who resides in Geelong and appeared in court with his girlfriend, pleaded guilty to criminal damage charges over an altercation following a car accident in Melbourne’s Altona North on January 26.
After causing damage to the other driver’s vehicle, von Moger stabbed the victim’s car tyre, the court heard.
Magistrate Roslyn Porter said his conduct was “frightening and totally unacceptable”, but accepted a psychologist’s report which described his deteriorating mental health at the time.
He also pleaded guilty to criminal damage over an earlier incident, where he left the scene after an accident without providing his details to the other driver.
Other charges, including drug and weapon offences, were withdrawn, the court heard.
Von Moger starred as Schwarzenegger in the 2018 film Bigger.
The court heard he suffered from post-traumatic stress and adjustment disorders, and his mental health had deteriorated since 2018.
His lawyer Bernard Campigli said von Moger did not want to be handed a criminal conviction as it could harm future career opportunities in America.
“He does have potential business opportunities in America, he is largely reliant on that income. I can’t give that figure, but Mr von Moger does have the prospect of future employment,” he said.
Ms Porter gave von Moger a $2500 fine with no criminal conviction.
She placed him on a 12-month good behaviour undertaking and he must continue to participate in mental health treatment.
