Actor Gary Coleman pleads guilty in Utah court

SALT LAKE CITY -- Former child television star Gary Coleman has pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor criminal mischief charge related to a domestic violence incident last April.

In a deal with the Santaquin city prosecutor, Coleman entered the plea in Santaquin Justice Court at a hearing Monday, also his 42nd birthday.

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.

Santaquin is about 65 miles south of Salt Lake City.