Lohan in domestic violence program

Actress Lindsay Lohan's estranged father will begin spending the next four months in a treatment facility Wednesday (Thursday NZT) and participate in a domestic violence intervention program as part of a plea deal in Tampa.

Michael Lohan pleaded no contest to domestic violence charges in Florida. He must not contact his ex-girlfriend, Kate Major, a 29-year-old former Star Magazine reporter who he was accused of battering in October.

The 51-year-old Lohan told Judge Nick Nazaretian he wanted nothing to do with Major.

"My hand has been bit too many times," said Lohan, who was wearing a red Hillsborough County Jail outfit.

The agreement reached between Lohan and Hillsborough County prosecutors means he will spend four months of his one-year probation at a residential program in Fort Myers. After that, he must complete a domestic violence batterer's intervention program.

The elder Lohan was arrested in Tampa on October 25. A judge warned him not to make any contact with Major. But two days later, he was accused of violating the terms of his release by making a harassing phone call to her just hours after being released from jail.

Major told the court that Lohan would benefit from a treatment program and not jail.

"I think he needs help," she said. "Keeping him in jail would be hurting him more."

Major also talked briefly about Lohan's famous daughter, Lindsay, an actress who also has had her share of brushes with the law.

"It's my birthday today," said Major. "A year ago, we were worried about Lindsay," she said.

Judge Nazaretian replied: "I'm not sure who that is."

A few giggles were heard in the courtroom.

Major also said she did not want Lohan's family or friends to contact her or her family.

The judge ordered Lohan to have no contact with Major, otherwise he would be sent to jail for two years.

"No contact is nothing," said Nazaretian. "Zero. Minus Zero."

At one point, Lohan made a face when Major was speaki! ng. Naza retian reprimanded Lohan sharply.

"It's not Disney World, so stop," said the judge. "How old are you? Don't act like a child."

- AP