Source Perthnow


Matthew Newton has been sacked from his new radio role as his famous parents vow to stand by him over charges he assaulted actor Brooke Satchwell.


Just hours after Newton’s new girlfriend Gracie Otto, 19, the daughter of legendary performer Barry Otto, drove him from her family’s Lewisham home in Sydney’s inner west, Newton announced Nova radio station had released him from his contract, reportedly worth up to $200,000 a year.


“Over the last two days I have become the subject of intense media and public interest. As the matter of interest relates to a court case, I am not able to freely and openly discuss it,” Newton said in a statement.


“As such, my ability to perform my role as an on-air announcer is greatly limited. Nova and I agree the appropriate course is for them to release me from contractual obligations.


“I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Nova for the support and understanding they have shown in releasing me from my contract.”


Nova had signed on Newtown to co-host the Matt and Akmal Show with comedian Akmal Saleh in their prime time drive shift on Friday.


The station suspended his involvement in the broadcasts, which were due to begin yesterday, after allegations were made public at the weekend that Newton had assaulted Satchwell in September and October last year.


News of the sacking came as a resident of the street where Newton lived with Satchwell revealed details of several late night screaming sessions. Describing Newton’s behaviour as “atrocious,” the resident told how he helped Satchwell move out of the former couple’s Rozelle home.


The Oxford St resident, who refused to give his name, said he had heard Newton screaming abuse on several occasions before Satchwell, who was well liked in the street, moved out.


“She has always been very polite and extremely friendly,” he said.


“Generally speaking he was just a bad neighbour. It would be screaming at night.”


Meanwhile Bert Newton’s agent and friend Glenn Wheatley described the Newton family as extremely close and said Matthew’s parents were standing by their son.


Mr Wheatley, who has spoken with Bert Newton since news of the assault charges became public on the weekend, said he believed Bert and Patti may have previously been aware of the charges.


“How much they knew before hand, I’m not sure … my feeling is it’s come as a bit of a shock,” Mr Wheatley said.


“They are very positive under the circumstances … the family is very, close knit and they are going to be absolutely together for him (Matthew).


“Bert has asked that I explain to everybody that, because it’s a family matter, they are not going to be making a comment at the moment.”


Mr Wheatley said a recording and singing career he was developing with Matthew Newton would go ahead.


“He is an extremely talented singer, he is a very gifted performer,” he said.


Newton is due to appear at Balmain Local Court today.


He faces four charges, including assault occasioning actual bodily harm. He has pleaded not guilty.