Sizemore in rehab after domestic violence conviction
Actor Tom Sizemore was back in rehab today after being ordered to undergo therapy for beating his former girlfriend Heidi Fleiss.
The Saving Private Ryan star was yesterday sentenced to six months in jail and three years probation for abusing Ms Fleiss.
The judge said the 42-year-old Hollywood hard man had “very deep problems” with women.
But Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Antonio Barreto put the sentence on hold until Sizemore completed rehabilitation for a drugs problems and underwent an anger management course.
Sizemore apologised in a letter to Ms Fleiss. In the message, which was submitted to the court, he said he had allowed “personal demons to take over my life”.
He added that if it were not for his addiction to crystal methamphetamine he would not have abused her.
The judge said the relationship between Sizemore and former “Hollywood Madam” Ms Fleiss was “as dysfunctional… as you’ll ever find,”
Sizemore was found guilty of causing Ms Fleiss corporal injury by punching her in the jaw at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills in April last year.
He was also convicted of making a criminal threat to Ms Fleiss causing her to fear for her safety, making obscene phone calls with the intent of annoying her and of minor vandalism.
He was acquitted on 10 other counts.
Ms Fleiss began a two-year relationship with Sizemore after serving 21 months in prison for money laundering and tax evasion.
Judge Barreto said: “It’s terrible to listen to what went on between these people and it was not all one-sided. To some extent, she was participating.
“But it doesn’t mean if a lady in a relationship acts in a certain way that the man can do whatever he wants.
“There are some very deep problems Mr Sizemore has with women,” Judge Barreto said.
“The defendant needs intervention and insight in how to get along with women.”
Sizemore, a reformed heroin addict, was also sentenced on another domestic abuse allegation by another former girlfriend, Brooke Ford, who said he punched her.
If Sizemore completes the rehabilitation course successfully, including domestic violence counselling, his sentence could be reduced to 90 days.
He must attend the classes once a week for a year and report back to court on January 30 when a decision will be taken on whether to reduce the sentence.
He must also stay off drink and drugs and pay a fine of nearly $1,700 (€1,450).
Prosecutors had asked for a one year prison term.
The hearing was attended by Sizemore’s mother, father and two brothers as well as friend, actor Charlie Sheen.
Days before he was originally due to go before the court, earlier this month, Sizemore voluntarily entered a rehabilitation programme.
