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Friday, 23 January 2009

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Hayden Panettiere's father pleads no contest to beating wife

Actress's dad denies charges

Hayden Panettiere stars in Heroes

Hayden Panettiere's father pleaded no contest Thursday to misdemeanour battery for allegedly hitting his wife, and was sentenced to two years probation.

Alan Lee Panettiere, 49, also was ordered by the Beverly Hills Superior Court judge to complete 52 weeks of domestic violence counselling and pay $400 in fines.

He was arrested in August at the family's West Hollywood home for investigation of striking the actress's mother, Lesley Vogel in the face during an argument following a benefit event hosted by Hayden.

Shortly after he was released on bail, Alan Panettiere told Extra the incident was a "misunderstanding" and that "nothing actually happened." And Hayden, 19, said, "It was blown way out of proportion by a sheriff who wanted his 15 minutes of fame."

In October, a judge issued a protective order requiring Alan Panettiere not to "harass, strike or threaten" Vogel.

By Mike Fleeman