Saved By The Bell Star Convicted Over Stabbing

TV actor Dustin Diamond has been found guilty of two charges stemming from a barroom brawl.

A jury in Wisconsin cleared the former Saved By The Bell star of a felony charge of recklessly endangering public safety in connection with the fight on Christmas Day in Port Washington, about 25 miles north of Milwaukee.

The 38-year-old, best known for playing Screech in the hit series, pleaded not guilty to the felony charge, plus two misdemeanours - carrying a concealed weapon and disorderly conduct.

The first misdemeanour carries a maximum sentence of nine months in prison, while the second carries a maximum of 90 days in jail.

Diamond said he never intended to stab anyone in the incident at The Grand Avenue Saloon.

The actor said he was protecting his girlfriend, Amanda Schutz, and believed Casey Smet hurt himself when he grabbed Diamond during the altercation.

Diamond displayed no emotion as the jury revealed their decision on Friday night after 13 hours of testimony and deliberations.

A date for sentencing has not been announced.

On the night in question, Diamond said some people at the bar had wanted to shake his hand and pose for photos, but others were badgering him and Schutz.

He said he was trying to scare drinkers at the bar after his girlfriend was punched in the face.

"I felt like we were being set up for antagonistic purposes," Diamond told the court.

Witnesses told the trial that Schutz pushed one woman and grabbed another's hand, initiating the incident.

She was found guilty of disorderly conduct, a misdemeanour that carries a maximum of 90 days in prison.

Diamond said he tried to help his girlfriend and took out his pocketknife to deter the group from harming her further.

Mr Smet told the court on Thursday he did not know he had been stabbed until he left the bar and was talking to the police.