Saved by the Bell actor Dustin Diamond in court over stabbing

Dustin Diamond claims he was defending his fiancee during the bar brawl on Christmas Day

Former Saved by the Bell actor Dustin Diamond has appeared in court in Wisconsin, accused of stabbing a man during a bar brawl on Christmas Day.

The 37-year-old, who played Screech in the 1990s television show, was released from prison after posting $10,000 (£6,400) bail.

He is charged with possession of a switchblade, reckless endangerment and carrying a concealed weapon.

The actor said he was defending his 27-year-old fiancee Amanda Schutz.

Defence lawyer Thomas Alberti requested a reduced bail and a jury trial for Mr Diamond, who did not speak in court.

"Dustin has complete faith in the justice system," Mr Alberti said outside the courtroom, adding his client was "not happy he missed the Packers game".

Mr Alberti said Mr Diamond, who spent the weekend in prison, had "made the best of his time" and caught up on some books.

Dustin Diamond appeared in court with his fiancee Amanda Schutz

The fight is said to have happened on 25 December at the Grand Avenue Saloon in Port Washington, while Mr Diamond was with Ms Schutz, who also faces a charge of disorderly conduct.

Crime reports say the pair had been to several bars before they got into a row with two men and another woman.

Mr Diamond, who appeared on Celebrity Big Brother in the UK in 2013, told police he had a pen in his hand when he grabbed one of the men, while trying to defend his fiancee.

The man was not seriously injured.

Officers found a switchblade knife in Mr Diamond's car and the point of it appeared to be covered in blood.

The actor will next appear in court on 5 January.