Judge drops battery charge against actor Gerard Butler

A US judge has dropped a battery charge against actor Gerard Butler.

Los Angeles Superior Court spokeswoman Mary Hearn said the charge was dismissed at a hearing yesterday after the Scottish actor completed community service.

Butler could have faced up to six months in jail if convicted.

City prosecutors said the star of 300 had a run-in with a photographer on October 7 2008, after leaving a premiere party for the film RocknRolla.

His manager said Butler was forced to have his driver stop the car after the photographer sped through red lights and nearly struck two pedestrians.

City attorney's spokesman Frank Mateljan said prosecutors were "satisfied" with the outcome.