Former Neighbours star Scott McGregor ordered to apologise after assault charge

 He played Mark Brennan on the soap.

Former Neighbours star Scott McGregor has been ordered to apologise after being charged with assault.

The actor, who played Mark Brennan on the Australian soap, was charged with common assault following an incident at the The Esplanade Hotel in St Kilda, and was subsequently granted diversion at the trial in Melbourne (via 9News).

The diversion meant McGregor pleaded not guilty to the charge, with the verdict ensuring he was not formally found guilty.

The actor, however, was ordered to make a $300 charitable donation whilst writing a letter of apology to the victim and a letter of gratitude to the police officer who recommended his case be diverted from court.

Magistrate Simon Zebrowski described the incident as "one momentary very slight touch" and "a single non-sexual episode that was extraordinarily minor in the circumstances,” but refused to release specific details of the charge.

The report noted that the case will be struck out should McGregor comply by December.

McGregor played Mark on Neighbours for eight years across two stints, making his last appearance in 2020, but will not return for the upcoming revival on Amazon Freevee.

The first trailer for the reboot, which will premiere on September 18, was released last week, with Susan Kennedy seemingly confirming that the action would take place two years after the ‘finale’ on Channel 5.

Elsewhere in the trailer, it looked like there could be trouble ahead for Byron Stone and newcomer Reece Sinclair, with the former accusing Mischa Barton’s character of “keeping secrets.”

There was also a rocky road for Mike Young and Jane Harris, but love seemed to be in the air for one mystery couple as the trailer hinted at a lavish wedding.

Neighbours returns on September 18, with new episodes streaming on Mondays to Thursdays for free on Amazon Freevee in the UK and US. Network 10 will retain first-run rights in Australia for the new series.