Hayden Panettiere's father, Alan Panettiere, pled no contest to misdemeanor battery after allegedly hitting wife Lesley in the cheek at a charity benefit last year.

Police were summoned to the family's West Hollywood home at 3:15 a.m. after the incident. He was arrested, though Alan and Lesley both downplayed the event.

Alan received 24 months probation, $400 in fines and must attend a year of domestic violence counseling. A protective order against him also remains in place.

Extra reported that Hayden Panttiere found out about her dad’s arrest when he called her from jail. The Heroes star's rep had no response to news of the plea.

Hopefully this incident can be put behind the family and they can move on. Click to enlarge more Hayden Panettiere photos minus the possibly abusive parent ...