Ryan O'Neal's son moved into a rehab facility in September (09) to continue his battle against substance abuse, after serving time behind bars in connection to a January 2008 drug arrest and a probation violation.
He has previously insisted he is doing "very well" in his bid to kick his addictions since Fawcett's untimely death from cancer in June (09).
But at a progress hearing in Los Angeles on Thursday (19Nov09) he was criticised by Judge Michael Tynan who told the court, "I thought this kid wanted to do something. He isn't working as hard as he can."
The 24 year old responded by telling Judge Tynan he has been sober for nine months, but admitted, "I have been holding back. I have been adjusting and still dealing with the death of my mother."
A representative from Impact, the centre where he is in residential treatment, revealed the reason behind O'Neal's lack of participation: "He did a massive amount of drugs for years and that stunted his emotional growth, and he is just coming out of that."
Judge Tynan ordered O'Neal back to court on 2 December (09), telling him: "The report better be glowing, or there will be consequences."
The star's lawyer insisted the hearing went well, telling RadarOnline.com, "The progress report was good. Redmond is doing well, but as Judge Tynan pointed out, he needs to step it up," while O'Neal added, "I'm OK. I'm going to do better."