Matthew Newton 'on suicide watch'

Bert and Patti Newton have revealed that their son Matthew is on suicide watch.

They said that the Underbelly star, who checked into a Sydney psychiatric clinic after allegedly assaulting girlfriend Rachael Taylor in a Rome hotel, often has "psychotic episodes" causing them to previously fear for Taylor's safety.

Patti told A Current Affair: "I was [fearful]. I told her many times that she had to be really careful and I worried about her, and I told her... a long time ago that 'You have to be careful. He needs help. He needs medication'. And that's no excuse for what he did.

"I don't think we have to say anything to Rachael. Rachael spoke to me the night she was leaving [Matthew] and she said he's very sick - very, very sick, he needs psychiatric help. And I said: 'I know, I agree'."

When asked if their son had threatened to kill himself, Patti responded: "Many times", adding: "He's the saddest I've ever heard anyone sound. He's just so sad. He knows what's happened. He knows what he's done.

"Hopefully, medication will help him sort it out and work out why he needs all this medical help. All Bert and I can do is be very sorry for everything that he has done to cause any hassle with anybody."

Bert said: "We want him to get well but in this particular situation there are no winners. No winners at all."