The paparazzo who was punched by “Avatar” actor Sam Worthington saw his criminal case dismissed Thursday.  Sheng Li got into a scuffle with Worthington on Feb. 23 after the lensman was taking pictures of the actor and his model girlfriend, Lara Bingle.  Both Li and Worthington were both arrested after the West Village fight.  “When Ms. Bingle’s boyfriend arrived at the scene, he admittedly punched this defendant in the face,” Assistant District Attorney Francesca Bartolomey said Thursday during Li’s court appearance.  “After careful evaluation of the facts and in consideration of the injuries sustained by both the victim and the defendant, the People move to dismiss the case against the defendant in the interest of justice,” she added.  Manhattan Criminal Court Judge Laurie Peterson then dismissed the assault and harassment charges against the 37-year-old Li, who was wearing a wrist brace during his appearance Thursday.  Mark Jay Heller, Li’s lawyer, said he was happy with the result but ripped the treatment the “Clash of the Titans” star got during his prosecution.  The photographer spent the night in jail while Worthington was issued a desk appearance ticket and was ordered to show up in court on a later date.  After Worthington appeared the first time, he accepted the DA’s offer which was a dismissal after six months of good behavior.  Worthington, 37, was originally due in court this week but settled his case by taking the deal in absentia through his lawyer, the Daily News first reported.  Li and his attorney always argued that he was attacked by Worthington — while doing his job — and did not kick Bingle, who they say charged at him and tried to grab his camera. Bingle was not charged in the incident.  Heller has filed a civil crime report complaint with federal prosecutors, claiming the celebrities got special treatment.  “As a result of the very serious level of injury that my client has sustained, which may result in $50,000 of medical bills, we have asked the Justice Department to assess this and we've asked for a grand jury here to conduct an investigation,” Heller said.
Sheng Li, 37, saw the harassment and assault charges dropped Thursday for the February West Village fight with the "Avatar" actor.