'Family Ties' star gets probation

BOULDER, Colo. -- Brian Bonsall, a one-time "Family Ties" star, was sentenced to probation in a Colorado Court after pleading guilty to assaulting his girlfriend while drunk.

Before being sentenced, Bonsall told Boulder County District Judge Lael Montgomery he has gone to rehab, is sober and "happy as ever," The Boulder Daily Camera reported Friday.

Bonsall, 25, played the younger son, Andy Keaton, on the series from 1986-89.

He pleaded guilty to third-degree assault, a misdemeanor. He was sentenced to 24 months of probation with the conditions that he remain sober and attend domestic violence classes.

The child star was arrested March 28 after police said he poured an alcoholic drink on girlfriend Lindsey Dunavan's face while she slept, put his arm around her neck and threw her into a bed when she tried to leave their apartment.

During the hearing, Bonsall's attorney, Paul McCormick, told the court Bonsall wasn't trying to hurt his longtime girlfriend. The couple checked into rehab and have been clean for five months, McCormick said.

"When sober, they got along fine, but when loaded ... both participated in a violent relationship," he said.

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Copyright 2007 by United Press International.