It should be the happiest time of Patti Newton’s life, learning her eldest child Matthew has met the woman he wants to spend the rest of his life with.
But for Patti, 71, news of her troubled son’s engagement has come like a bolt out of the blue, and she can’t help feeling fearful.
“Patti and Bert knew absolutely nothing about his relationship – let alone the engagement – and are worried sick about the future,” tells a close family friend.
WATCH: Matthew Newton talks about his troubled past. Post continues after the video…
Both Bert and Patti have been kept in the dark about their son’s engagement.
Last week news broke that Matthew, 39, had popped the question to his 20-something US girlfriend Catherine Schneiderman, the daughter of Attorney General of New York Eric Schneiderman – a man who has battled to impose more severe punishments for domestic violence.
Given his history of violence – Matthew was arrested for beating his girlfriend Brooke Satchwell in 2006, and his then-fiancee Rachael Taylor in 2010 – it’s easy to see why Catherine’s relationship might not be welcomed by her father.
Catherine and her politician dad Eric attend a climate change rally.
Catherine is set to wed the Aussie actor.
“Patti knows he’s not ‘fixed’, and there’s a chance this could all blow up in his face unless he has really changed and behaves himself.”
“But she and Bert can’t ever be sure, given his unstable past,” tells a friend, adding she was concerned to see the pictures of Matthew with Catherine.
To read the full story, pick up the latest issue of Woman’s Day, on sale now!
While Patti wants the best for her son, friends say she’s worried.
