The Underbelly: A Tale of Two Cities star appeared in Downing Centre Local Court in Sydney via videolink from the U.S., where he now lives. He was accused of punching a cab driver in December (11).
Chief Magistrate Graeme Henson agreed for the charge to be dealt with under the Mental Health Act as Newton has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and anxiety.
Newton told the court he has turned his life around after 90 days of intensive treatment at California rehabilitation clinic Betty Ford to conquer a drug addiction and withdraw from the medication he was taking.
He said, “I felt like a different person off the medication. I feel like my eyes are open and I have a chance now.”
Newton also agreed to attend regular counselling sessions and to submit to drug tests.
