Australian actor Matthew Newton is in more trouble with U.S. authorities – this time after allegedly punching a hotel clerk in the face.

It’s the second time this month, that Miami police have had to arrest Newton.

Mariska Murphy reports.

TRANSCRIPT

The now notorious bad-boy was caught on CCTV where he’s seen striking the clerk in the hotel lobby.

It happened in the early hours of the morning, Newton apparently frustrated after a mobile phone call he’d been making cut out.

The video shows him then lying on the ground with the obviously distressed clerk, talking to him, then apparently using his walkie talkie to call for assistance.

Police say Newton told them the clerk spat in his face, although the the footage doesn’t appear to back up that claim.

Napier Velazquez, Miami Police: “The clerk is observed putting his hands behind his back almost in a submissive stance and their argument apparently continues when Mr Newton punches the clerk in the face and then pushes him to the ground.”

The 35-year-old actor was charged with assault and resisting arrest.

After spending eight hours in jail, he was released on bail and is due to appear in court in early May.

Back in Australia, Matthew’s father, well-known entertainer Bert Newton today faced the media again.

Bert Newton, Father: “We’re pretty positive people. We would like this to have a happy ending and I’m sure it’s still possible there will be a happy ending.”

Newton was arrested earlier this month after he refused to leave a bar in Miami.

The troubled actor is also facing charges back home after allegedly assaulting a cab driver in Sydney.

Mariska Murphy, QUT News.