Dustin Diamond, the American actor best known for playing Screech in the long-running teen series Saved by the Bell, has been arrested and released on bail for allegedly assaulting a man in a bar fight last Friday. Diamond's girlfriend Amanda Schutz was also charged with disorderly conduct.

Dustin DiamondDustin Diamond appeared in the Celebrity Big Brother house in the UK

Diamond, 37, is accused of assaulting a man with a flick knife though the actor alleges that he was harassing his girlfriend. He also claims he was acting in self-defence. 

Diamond was held on $10,000 bail though made a brief court appearance on reckless endangerment, possession of a switchblade and carrying a concealed weapon, according to the Ozaukee County Sheriff's office website. 

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Since appearing in the final episode of Saved by the Bell over 20 years ago, Diamond has mainly taken the reality TV route and has appeared in the likes of Celebrity Big Brother, Celebrity Fit Club and Hulk Hogan's Celebrity Championship Wrestling. 

Defence lawyer Thomas Alberti requested a jury trial for Mr Diamond, who did not speak in court.

"Dustin has complete faith in the justice system," Mr Alberti said outside the courtroom, adding that the actor was "not happy he missed the Packers game."

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The fight is said to have taken place at the Grand Avenue Saloon bar in Port Washington. The actor will next appear in court on January 5 where it will likely be announced whether the case will go to trial.

Diamond recently wrapped filming A Dog for Christmas - a family movie starring the former Superman actor Dean Cain. The synopsis is genius:

"The entire family stays at Dave and Sandy's home for the holidays. Kassandra wants a puppy for Christmas, but Mom and Dad aren't ready for that. Will Santa grant Kassandra's only wish for Christmas?"