Actor Sam Worthington has been slapped with a restraining order by a court after he was arrested for attacking a paparazzi here recently.

Worthington was charged with assault in the third degree, attempted assault in the third degree, and harassment in the second degree.

The Manhattan Criminal Court ordered the "Avatar" star Wednesday to stay away from photographer Sheng Li for six months. He's due back in court May 8, reports nydailynews.com.

The 37-year-old was accused of punching Li on Sunday. He claimed that the photographer kicked his girlfriend Lara Bingle.

"I was just protecting my girlfriend," the Australian actor told policemen after he was arrested for slugging the shutterbug, prosecutors revealed Wednesday.

After an appearance in the court, Worthington was ordered released on his own recognizance.