Matthew Newton "cruel" towards mother

Matthew Newton has reportedly been very "cruel" towards his mother Patti.

The Underbelly star, who is currently in a rehab centre being treated for psychological problems, is believed to be angry with Patti for speaking to the media about his alleged bashing of ex-girlfriend Rachael Taylor.

When Matthew recently appeared in court charged with breaking the rules of his AVO having tried to get in touch with Taylor, Patti was apparently devastated when he completely ignored her.

A friend of the family told Woman's Day magazine: "The shame that surrounds Matthew is, quite unfairly, a cross the whole family has to bear.

"He didn't even turn his head in her direction [in court] - which was particularly cruel, although Patti wasn't surprised. She and Matthew haven't really spoken for months since they fell out after the Newtons' TV appearance last August.

"But even with that distance between them, Patti felt with every instinct in her body that it was important to fly from Melbourne to show the court Matthew's family hasn't walked away from him, no matter what he'd done.

"It was one of the hardest things she's ever put herself through, but she knew it was right and she's glad she made the effort. Through everything, she can hold her head high."