Mel Gibson's lawyer appeared in a Los Angeles court yesterday to report that the actor had completed a court-ordered anger management course as part of a domestic violence case involving former partner Oksana Grigorieva.

Gibson's lawyer Blair Kirk presented judge Stephanie Sauter with evidence that in addition to completing the program, the actor and filmmaker underwent extra therapy sessions, according to TMZ.

The site says it learned that as a result, Gibson could be off probation in two years if he stays out of trouble during that period.

Gibson pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor battery charge stemming from a domestic violence incident with Grigorieva in 2010.

Grigorieva alleged that Gibson punched her in the face and knocked out her teeth in a fit of rage in 2010.

Audio recordings that emerged in June 2010 on Radaronline.com indicate Gibson admitted to hitting her.

"You know what? You f**cking deserved it." Gibson is heard saying in a telephone conversation with Grigorieva.

Gibson admitted to "slapping" Grigorieva in that fight because she became hysterical and was shaking their baby Lucia, according to a declaration obtained by TMZ. He feared Lucia could have been harmed, according to the report.

In August last year, Gibson agreed to pay $750,000 over the next five years to Grigorieva.

The agreement also allowed her to live in a house Gibson owns in Los Angeles. Gibson has to sell the property when Lucia turns 18 and place the money in an account for her.

Under the deal the former couple is not allowed to discuss the relationship publicly.

Tags: Mel Gibson