Former Home And Away actor Joel McIlroy – who used to play the character Flynn Saunders in the Australian soap – has been accused of damaging property intentionally or recklessly
Actor Joel McIlroy from Home and Away, who is terminally sick, has reportedly been charged with criminal mischief.
The 50-year-old, who has been identified as having the rare, genetic brain disorder Huntington’s, is charged with wilfully or carelessly damaging property in a Sydney neighborhood in July, according to The Australian.
The actor, well known to television viewers as Summer Bay’s Flynn Saunders, is accused of causing damage to a passenger window and frame.
If found guilty, Joel could spend up to five years behind bars.
If he were to be convicted, Joel could face up to five years in jail.
The star’s attorney has stated that an application would be made for the allegations to be handled under the Mental Health Act.
This would allow the TV personality to avoid serving time in jail.
According to the NHS, Huntington’s “is a condition that gradually prevents parts of the brain from functioning properly.”
It is inherited from one’s parents, and signs can include stiffness in the joints, depression, trouble focusing, and memory loss.
It “gets gradually worse over time and is usually fatal after a period of up to 20 years,” according to the NHS website.
Joel gained notoriety for his role as Flynn in the Australian serial opera from 2003 to 2006.
He had really appeared in the show almost ten years previously in a minor supporting role. He later came back to replace actor Martin Dingle-Wall in the character of Flynn.
The character was married to Kate Ritchie’s beloved Sally from Home and Away, but she passed away following a cancer fight.
Joel’s other TV credits include the shows Heartbreak High, All Saints and Love Is A Four Letter Word.
He has also appeared on the big screen, with a role in 2000 comedy Angst.
The application for the charges to be dealt with under the Mental Health Act is due to be heard in September.
