Sam Worthington Slapped With Restraining Order, Told To Stay Away From Photographer [VIDEO]

Sam Worthington was ordered to stay away from the paparazzo he is accused of punching in the face. The “Avatar” star appeared at the Manhattan Criminal Court on Wednesday, where he faced two counts of assault in the third degree, attempted assault, and harassment.

On Sunday, Worthington and photographer Sheng Li were arrested after an altercation outside the Benny’s Burritos in Greenwich Village. Apparently, the actor defended his “wife” Lara Bingle after Li aggressively pursued her for “approximately four hours” before he kicked her in the shin.

As a result, the 37-year-old actor was slapped with a restraining order during a brief appearance in court. Judge Bruna DiBiase ordered him to stay away from Li for six months.

If he’s convicted with assault, Worthington could face up to a year in jail.

He is scheduled to appear again in court on May 8.

Li has also been charged with assault, reckless endangerment, and harassment. According to the police, he trailed Bingle for hours before deliberately kicking her in the shin.

Worthington and Lara have admitted dating each other in October 2013. In January, they were reported to have tied the knot after they were spotted wearing matching rings in London. They have kept mum about the allegedly new status of their relationship.

However, a video of Worthington’s altercation with Li suggested that the couple might have truly gotten married already.

In the video posted by NYPost on YouTube, Worthington can be heard referring to Bingle as his wife when he shouted to Li, “You want to f****** kick my wife?”