Sizemore Convinced He's Won, Despite Jail Term

LATEST: Movie star Tom Sizemore is claiming victory after staying out of jail, despite being sentenced to 17 months in prison and four months in rehab for violating his parole conditions on Thursday (24MAR05).

Los Angeles Judge ANTONIO BARRETO JR agreed to allow the actor to remain free on bail while he awaits his appeal on a domestic violence conviction, brought against him by ex-fiancee Heidi Fleiss.

Barreto Jr confirms he had no choice but to jail Sizemore after the actor failed seven drug tests earlier this week (beg21MAR05).

But Sizemore is just happy to be a free man - for now.

The actor high-fived fans outside the courthouse on Thursday (24MAR05), declaring, "I won! I'm free!"

Earlier in the day, a tearful Sizemore begged for his freedom. He told Barreto Jr, "(I am) engaged in a struggle right now to regain the better part of who I am... I never thought I had this disease. I assure, Your Honour, that I'm not acting now. I'm not acting, I'm begging, I'm beseeching you. I can't imagine my future without performing."

Meanwhile, a motion to dismiss a lawsuit from a former assistant, who has accused Sizemore of continually propositioning her for sex, was postponed yesterday (25MAR05). That case will now proceed next month (APR05).