Lindsay Lohan's dad gets two years probation

Michael Lohan has been sentenced to two years probation.

The 51-year-old showbiz patriarch - who is the father of troubled actress Lindsay Lohan - entered a plea of no contest to four domestic violence charges in a Tampa, Florida court today, but escaped a possible four-year jail sentence.

His lawyer Michael Perry told RadarOnline.com: "He will not serve any jail time."

In addition to probation, Michael - who was arrested following an altercation with former fiancee Kate Major on October 25 - will spend four months working at the Teen Challenge International programme and must undertake domestic violence classes and his lawyer hopes he will "benefit" from the sentence.

He said: "I believe he was pleased with the result, he should be. It was a good result and it will benefit him."

Kate - whose birthday is today - was in court but did not speak to Michael.

The lawyer added: "She told the court that she agreed to the sentence."

Prior to attending the hearing, Kate tweeted she was hoping it would mark a "fresh start" for her.

She wrote: "It's the big B-day! Doesnt feel like it spending it in court with my ex ... glad this will be a new fresh start !(sic)"

- BANG! Showbiz