Good Grief: Charlie Brown voice actor facing jail for threatening judge

A man who voiced the cartoon character Charlie Brown in the 1960s has been charged with threatening a judge in California. Peter Robbins, now 59, also allegedly offered $50,000 (£32,938) for the murder of Bill Gore, the Sheriff of San Diego County. The former child actor cried throughout the hearing. Robbins was due to be sentenced for lesser charges, as he had admitted violating his probation for a different offence when he drank alcohol and cut off his electronic tag.

He has shown such a spectrum of emotions that I try not to pay attention.

Bill Gore, the Sheriff of San Diego County

Two years ago, he had pleaded guilty to harassing and threatening his ex-girlfriend – as well as the plastic surgeon who had enhanced her breasts. Given the new charges, his bail has been set at $250,000 (£164,690). Robbins was nine years old when he lent his voice to A Charlie Brown Christmas in 1965, playing the world-weary, yet optimistic title character. He went on to appear in other animated Peanuts specials, as well as A Boy Named Charlie Brown. Robbins could face 11 years behind bars if he is convicted, and sentencing has been delayed.

Arts Charlie Brown