Hayden Panettiere‘s ex-boyfriend Brian Hickerson pleaded “no contest” to two felony counts of injuring a spouse/cohabitant, according to the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office. He was sentenced to 45 days in jail on Tuesday.
However, the month and half of jail time will be followed by lengthy probation and a years-long protective order.
Hayden Panettiere’s Ex Will Begin Serving His Jail Sentence on May 7.
Hickerson begins his jail sentence on May 7, but when he gets out he’s not completely done with the matter. He will have four years of formal probation, 52 domestic violence classes, $500 in restitution, and a five-year protective order waiting for him, People reports.
As we reported in July, Hickerson was arrested on multiple felony charges, including four charges of corporal injury on a spouse/cohabitant, along with two charges of assault with a deadly weapon, and one of intimidating a witness, Panettiere. He also faced a misdemeanor charge of battery on a spouse/cohabitant.
The remainder of his charges were dropped during the Tuesday sentencing.
Eight of the charges made against Panettiere’s ex stemmed from allegedly abusive incidents occurring from May 2019 to January 2020.
RELATED: Hayden Panettiere Copes with Ongoing Domestic Violence Court Case as Her Daughter Remains in Russia
Hickerson was arrested in May 2019 on a domestic violence charge and released on bail. He pleaded not guilty later that month before the case was dismissed by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
In February 2020, Hickerson was arrested on Valentine’s Day in Jackson, Wyoming. He was charged with domestic battery and interference with a cop which are both misdemeanor charges in Wyoming. According to court documents Hickerson allegedly punched Panettiere “with a closed fist on the right side of her face.”
RELATED: Hayden Panettiere’s Boyfriend Charged with Domestic Battery After Valentine’s Day Incident
In July, Panettiere opened up about the experience and detailed the alleged abuse by Hickerson. “I am coming forward with the truth about what happened to me with the hope that my story will empower others in abusive relationships to get the help they need and deserve,” she said at the time.
“I am prepared to do my part to make sure this man never hurts anyone again. I’m grateful for my support system, which helped me find the courage to regain my voice and my life.”
At the time, her attorney, Alan Jackson, issued a statement alongside the actor’s personal one. “After suffering for years as the victim of psychological, emotional and severe physical abuse, Hayden Panettiere has begun the process of taking back her life,” her counsel said.
“Hayden has found the strength and courage to share the truth about her abuse and her abuser, and she intends to assist the prosecution to see that justice is served. As a survivor, she recognizes that her arduous journey of healing has just begun.”
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Angelina Jolie Has Advice for Anyone Experiencing Abuse
Panettiere and Hickerson started dating after reports circulated that she and then-fiancé Wladimir Klitschko had split in August 2018, as People reported at the time. Panettiere and Klitschko share daughter Kaya, 6.
We are so glad that this saga has come to an end and Hayden Panettiere gets the justice she had to fight so very hard for. She told the public she intended to “make sure this man never hurts anyone again,” and we think this is a great step in that direction.
If you or someone you know is being abused, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.
Mamas Uncut is THE online place for moms. We cover the latest about motherhood, parenting, and entertainment as well – all with a mom-focused twist. So if you're looking for parenting advice from real parents, we have plenty of it, all for moms from moms, and also experts. Because, at the end of the day, our mission is focused solely on empowering moms and moms-to-be with the knowledge and answers they’re looking for in one safe space.