The troubled star, who reportedly suffers from bipolar and obsessive compulsive disorder, stands accused of punching a cab driver during a ride through Sydney in December (11).

Newton, 35, is currently in America seeking professional help for his problems and when the case went back to court on Wednesday (28Mar12), magistrate Ellen Skinner rejected an application to have the assault charge dealt with under the country's Mental Health Act.

Skinner noted that Newton had a previous case dealt with under the act, but ""that has not successfully diverted him from coming back to the attention of the courts"".

She also ordered Newton to return from America to face the charge against him at a hearing next month (Apr12).

The hearing will take place at Sydney's Downing Centre Local Court on 10 April (12).