Cowell ex attacker sentenced to probation

The woman accused of attacking Simon Cowell's ex-girlfriend at an American Idol taping has pleaded guilty to misdemeanour battery.

Janice Thibodeaux was arrested after allegedly attempting to choke Terri Seymour following the Idol finale in May. A second charge of assault was dropped as part of her plea deal.

Thibodeaux, 33, was sentenced to three years' probation and ordered to complete an anger management course, undergo a psychological evaluation and complete 36 hours of community service.

She is scheduled to return to the Los Angeles Superior Court on July 16 for a progress update with the results of her evaluation and proof that she has enrolled in anger management lessons.

According to E! News, the judge also ordered Thibodeaux to adhere to the terms of the restraining order that Seymour secured last month.