The actor's arrest was caught on news footage

Mr Slater refused to admit to a lesser charge in return for a community service order, while his lawyer argued the case should be dismissed.

The actor allegedly assaulted a woman in New York in May and was arrested.

Mr Slater, starring on Broadway in The Glass Menagerie, served part of a prison sentence in 1997 for assault.

The 35-year-old has been ordered to appear in court again in September.

No contest

The alleged victim of the assault, who flagged down a police car to report the incident, claimed that the actor had touched her bottom.

Mr Slater, who was allegedly under the influence of alcohol, was caught by police officers a few blocks away and handcuffed.

News footage which was later aired showed Mr Slater saying "I didn't do anything" as he was being put into a police car.

In 1997, he pleaded no contest to assault against his girlfriend and a police officer.

He was sentenced to three months imprisonment and served 59 days of the sentence.