Charlie Sheen pleads not guilty

Mar 16, 2010, 10:30 GMT

Charlie Sheen has pleaded not guilty to assaulting his wife on Christmas Day (25.12.09).

The 'Two and a Half Men' actor faces three charges - felony menacing, misdemeanour third degree assault and misdemeanour criminal mischief - stemming from allegations made by his wife Brooke Mueller that he held her down and put a knife to her throat during an argument.

The cause of the furious row is believed to be Brooke threatening to divorce Charlie.

The actor's representative Stan Rosenfield said: "Charlie is looking forward for this opportunity to clear his name."

The not guilty plea was entered in court at Aspen, Colorado, where the family - which includes the couple's twin sons, one-year-old Bob and Max - were on a skiing holiday at the time.

Charlie, 44, stopped filming 'Two and a Half Men' to enter rehab on February 23, as a "preventative measure", and is receiving treatment for alcohol and cocaine problems.

Brooke has also been undergoing rehab separately at the couple's home for alcoholism and crack cocaine abuse.

The couple's children are being cared for by nannies while their parents are away.

This week, however, Charlie is planning to return to the 'Two and a Half Men' set to finish filming the current series, although it has been reported he will still attend rehab at night.

The show's executive producer Mark Burg said: "Charlie is looking forward to going back to work for the final four episodes.

"He's also looking forward to clearing his name, putting all of this behind him and spending time with his kids during his hiatus."

A trial date has been set for July 21 and Charlie's next hearing date is April 19, although he's not required to be in court in person.