Big Pussy destined for court

Vincent Pastore

He declined to cop a plea, so actor Vincent Pastore, who played Salvatore "Big Pussy" Bonpensiero on The Sopranos, is headed for court.

Pastore, 58, was charged early this year with punching former girlfriend Lisa Regina, 44, and slamming her head into the gearshift of a car during an argument.

He was offered community service and counselling in exchange for pleading guilty to misdemeanour assault charges, but maintained he was innocent and demanded a trial.