Dean McDermott Avoids Jail In Child Support Case Only Because His Ex Showed Him Mercy

Dean McDermott was almost sent to jail on Thursday for failing to pay child support to his ex-wife.

Tori Spelling’s husband appeared in court in Los Angeles on Thursday after his former spouse Mary Jo Eustace filed a complaint claiming he stopped paying child support for their 18-year-old son Jack in October and owes her thousands of dollars.

After filing her paperwork Mary Jo said, "This has been difficult. It's very hard to stand up for yourself."

McDermott, who told the court he had “fallen on hard times”, was dramatically read his Miranda rights, which are given to those intended to be questioned in police custody, after being held in contempt of court for failing to pay.

Before sending him to jail, the judge gave the former couple an opportunity to work out a deal and Eustace withdrew the complaint, sparing McDermott jail time. He is now scheduled to pay off half of the amount he owes by Monday. Insiders told the outlet Eustace will refile her complaint as early as Tuesday if he doesn’t pay up.