Sheen must appear at assault hearing

Actor Charlie Sheen must appear in person at a hearing over allegations that he threatened his wife with a knife, a Colorado judge ruled.

Pitkin County chief deputy district attorney Arnold Mordkin said the judge denied a request by the actor’s lawyers that he should be allowed to participate by phone in the hearing in Aspen on February 8.

Mr Mordkin said prosecutors did not take a position on the request.

Sheen (aged 44) was arrested in Aspen on Christmas Day on suspicion of felony menacing, domestic violence and other charges.

His wife Brooke told police he put a knife to her throat and threatened to kill her. Sheen denies threatening his wife with a knife.

Lawyers for both husband and wife say they want to try to reconcile.

The actor stars in 'Two And A Half Men' on CBS.

Yesterday US clothing firm Hanesbrands announced it was ending its advertising campaign featuring Sheen following the charges.

Company spokesman Matt Hall said it was a “pretty standard, straightforward call” by the brand marketing team given the allegations.

Mr Hall said Sheen would not have been retained when his contract expired in the middle of the year. He has been used by the firm for almost two years.