Child star Gary Coleman in court

AP

GUILTY: Former child star Gary Coleman has pleaded guilty to a misdemeanour criminal mischief charge.

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Former child television star Gary Coleman has pleaded guilty to a misdemeanour criminal mischief charge related to a domestic violence incident last April in Utah.

In a deal with the prosecutor, Coleman entered the plea at a hearing on Monday, his 42nd birthday, in Santaquin, 105km south of Salt Lake City.

Court clerk Jane Swan says the original charge of domestic violence assault was dropped.

Judge Sharla Williams sentenced Coleman to 31½ days in jail. The Diff'rent Strokes' star will serve the time only if he fails to complete a domestic violence course and pay a US$595 (NZ$870) fine.

Coleman was arrested on January 24 at his Santaquin home on a warrant for failing to appear in court. He spent a night in jail before a fan paid his US$1725 bail.

- AP