Gary Coleman Pleads Guilty in Utah Court

Former child television star Gary Coleman has pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor criminal mischief charge related to a domestic violence incident last April in Utah.

In a deal with the prosecutor, Coleman entered the plea at a hearing Monday, his 42nd birthday, in Santaquin, 65 miles south of Salt Lake City.

Court clerk Jane Swan says the original charge of domestic violence assault was dropped.

Judge Sharla Williams sentenced Coleman to 31 1/2 days in jail. The "Diff'rent Strokes" star will serve the time only if he fails to complete a domestic violence course and pay a $595 fine.

Coleman was arrested Jan. 24 at his Santaquin home on a warrant for failing to appear in court. He spent a night in jail before a fan paid his $1,725 bail.