Crowe sued for £1million

Russell Crowe is to be sued for £1million by the New York hotel worker who claims he was assaulted by the actor - with a telephone.

Hotel porter Nestor Estrada is taking civil action against the Hollywood heavyweight to seek compensation for his injuries.

A New York police spokesman has confirmed that Estrada is to start legal proceedings separate from the criminal charges against Crowe, saying: "Mr Estrada is determined to prosecute Mr Crowe for damages for what he says was a frightening incident. And the criminal case will continue."

On Monday (06.06.06), Crowe was charged with second degree assault and possession of a weapon - a reference to the telephone - for allegedly hurling the handset at Estrada.

The Oscar-winning actor appeared at Manhattan Criminal Court in handcuffs and remained silent in court as he heard the charges levelled against him.

The incident happened at the swanky Mercer hotel, in the early hours of Monday morning, after the 'Gladiator' star got embroiled in a row with the porter over a phone in his room - which didn't work.

Crowe, famed for his wild temper, reportedly ripped the handset from the socket in the lavish suite before storming downstairs and attacking Estrada.

It has now been claimed the 41-year-old star lost his temper because he was upset he could not say "goodnight" to his young son Charlie.