Saved by the Bell actor Dustin Diamond convicted of two misdemeanours in bar fight stabbing trial

 
Convicted: Dustin Diamond leaves the courtroom after being found guilty of two charges (Picture: AP)
Alexandra Rucki30 May 2015
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Former Saved by the Bell star Dustin Diamond has been convicted of two charges after a man was stabbed in a bar fight on Christmas Day.

But the 38-year-old star was cleared of recklessly endangering public safety by a Wisconsin jury.

Diamond, famed for his role as Screech in the series, was found guilty of carrying a concealed weapon and disorderly conduct.

He could be sentenced for up to nine months in prison.

Diamond was with his partner Amanda Schutz when the fight broke out on December 25 in Port Washington.

He said some people wanted to shake his hand and pose for pictures, but others were badgering the couple.

Diamond said he tried to help Shutz by brandishing his pocket knife to deter the group.

The man who was stabbed, 25-year-old Casey Smet, testified on Thursday that he did not know he had been stabbed until he had left the bar and was talking to police.

After maintaining a serious facade during most of the trial, Diamond grinned yesterday when a defence lawyer asked if he liked being compared to the character Screech.

Diamond said he, like his character, enjoyed nerdy things, and that he liked being identified in public as the goofy television character.

"That means they love you," Diamond said. "That means you're doing your job."

Mr Smet was not seriously injured.

The jury also convicted Schutz of disorderly conduct. She faces a maximum of 90 days in prison.

A sentencing date for Diamond and Schutz has not been announced.

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