Earlier this month, we reported that Hayden Panettiere’s boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, had been arrested for domestic violence . At the time, it was unclear if Panettiere was involved in the incident, but this week’s developments seem to confirm that the actress was indeed victimized by Hickerson. According to Radar Online, Hickerson was in court today to face felony assault charges. To the chagrin of many, Panettiere has not broken up with Hickerson , and it does not appear that she has any plans to do so. However, it looks as though their relationship will soon undergo some major changes, as a Los Angeles judge has issued an order of protection requiring Hickerson to remain 100 feet away from Panettiere at all times. Hickerson is also forbidden to own any firearms, or contact Hayden via phone calls or emails, or possess firearms. Police were called to Hickerson and Panettiere’s home on May 2 when neighbors heard a female voice cry out in pain. In court on Thursday, prosecutors informed the judge that Hayden sustained injuries and bruises to her arms, ear, and neck. “He hit her on the face, causing her to get dizzy,” said an assistant DA this morning. The district attorney went on to claim that were indications of other, unreported domestic violence incidents over the course of the relationship. Hickerson pled not guilty and posted $500,000 bail. Court insiders say his case will likely go to trial early next month. Neither Hayden nor Brian has publicly commented on the incident, but the couple was spotted holding hands in Los Angeles on May 15, leading to the widespread assumption that they’re still together. Hickerson’s arrest follows closely on the heels of an incident in which he allegedly assaulted his father in Hayden’s presence. “I knew he had an incident with his father, and he has a tendency to do that [physical violence],” claimed Panettiere’s mom, Lesley Vogel. “Never had I thought it would be against Hayden or I would have addressed it sooner. I have addressed many things.” Even before Hickerson’s back-to-back arrests, Hayden’s family was reportedly dead set against her relationship. Many blame Panettiere’s heavy drinking on Hickerson’s hard-partying influence. Not long after the couple began dating, the 29-year-old actress was spotted vomiting in a Los Angeles street in midafternoon. Hayden is currently estranged from her daughter, allegedly as a result of her substance abuse. The 4-year-old currently lives with her father, boxer Wladimir Klitschko, in Ukraine. We’ll have further updates on this developing story as more information becomes available. View Slideshow: 21 Celebrities Accused of Domestic Violence
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Hayden Panettiere: Boyfriend Ordered to Remain 100 Feet Away From Actress