WESTLAKE : Actor Fails to Appear at Start of Abuse Trial

Sasha Mitchell appears on the television sitcom “Step by Step.”

He has appeared in other television shows and movies, including “Dallas” and “Kickboxer 2.”

But much to the chagrin of Ventura County prosecutors, Mitchell, 27, did not appear in Ventura County Municipal Court on Tuesday, the scheduled start of his trial on spousal abuse charges. His lawyer did not appear in court either, sending instead another attorney who asked for a delay in the start of the misdemeanor trial.

Mitchell, who is also a professional kick boxer, is accused of hitting and kicking his pregnant wife on two occasions in their Westlake home in April. He is also charged with endangering his 7-year-old stepdaughter, who prosecutors say witnessed one of the incidents.

Deputy Dist. Atty. John D. Colombo argued against the delay.

“We just think the continuance is a terrible inconvenience,” he said. “And the further we continue this, the less disposed the victim will be to testify.”

Colombo said Mitchell’s wife is becoming increasingly uncooperative with prosecutors.

“I understand she is back living with him,” Colombo said.

Despite Colombo’s objections, a judge delayed the start of the trial until July 27. Mitchell has pleaded not guilty and remains free on $10,000 bail.