Actor Gary Busey must serve two years of probation after pleading guilty to groping a woman at a horror movie convention.

According to the New York Post, the 81-year-old "Buddy Holly Story" star received his sentence during a virtual hearing in Camden, New Jersey on Thursday. Judge Gwendolyn Blue handed down the sentence despite Busey's attorney requesting only a fine, citing the actor's age, health issues, and California residence.

The incident occurred at the Monster-Mania Convention at the Doubletree Hotel in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, in August 2022. Busey was accused of groping at least three women and attempting to undo one woman's bra during photo opportunities at the event.

Judge Rejects Request For Lighter Sentence

Judge Blue determined that probation was appropriate due to the seriousness of the incident and Busey's prior history with the criminal justice system. The Oscar-nominated actor declined to speak during the hearing, telling the judge, "I'm following my attorney's advice."

In addition to probation, the judge ordered Busey to have no contact with the victim and gave him 45 days to appeal the sentence. The probation may potentially be transferred to California, where Busey permanently resides.

This accommodation would allow him to serve his sentence in his home state rather than requiring travel to New Jersey for probation appointments. The actor's legal team had pushed for a more lenient punishment given his circumstances.

Actor Previously Denied Allegations Before Guilty Plea

Busey initially denied the allegations when they first surfaced following the 2022 convention. "It took less than 10 seconds and they left. Then they made up a story that I assaulted them sexually," he told TMZ at the time of the accusations.

The "Point Break" star also claimed he didn't "carry any regrets" because "nothing happened." His public stance contrasted sharply with his later admission in court.

However, Busey later changed his position when he pleaded guilty to one count of fourth-degree criminal sexual contact in July. During that Zoom hearing, he acknowledged to the judge that "it was not an accidental touching."

Convention Organizers Took Immediate Action

Monster-Mania Convention officials responded quickly to the complaints against Busey during the 2022 event. In a Facebook post following the incident, the convention acknowledged that a "celebrity guest was removed from the convention and instructed not to return" after receiving complaints from attendees.

The organization also stated they had "encouraged the attendees to contact the police to file a report." Their swift response helped facilitate the subsequent police investigation.

Busey was subsequently charged with two counts of criminal sexual contact, one count of attempted criminal sexual contact, and one count of harassment. These charges were later reduced as part of his guilty plea arrangement.