Dismissed! Hayden Panettiere's Boyfriend Off The Hook In Domestic Violence Case

Hayden Panettiere’s bad news boyfriend Brian Hickerson is off the hook after his domestic violence case was dismissed on Thursday, RadarOnline.com has exclusively learned.

Hickerson, 30, was accused of brutally beating the Nashville actress, 30, three times over two days in May.

An eyewitness confirmed to RadarOnline.com on Thursday that the South Carolina native appeared “anxious" in Los Angeles court on September 26.

Minutes later, the prosecutor announced to the courtroom that the office wished to dismiss the domestic violence case. A judge soon ruled to officially dismiss the case.

According to a source, the case was dismissed because the prosecution did not have witnesses, likely meaning Panettiere refused to cooperate with prosecutors about the alleged beatings.

As RadarOnline.com readers know, Hickerson last appeared in Los Angeles Superior Court on Wednesday, August 28 with high-powered attorney Shawn Holley by his side.

Both Holley and the prosecution stated in the August hearing that they were prepared for trial.

RadarOnline.com reported that Hickerson was charged with a felony after he was arrested on May 2.

According to responding officers, he repeatedly hit Panettiere, leaving her with bruises to her neck, ears and arms.

On May 23, a judge issued a restraining order, which forbid Hickerson from having any contact with his famous girlfriend.

But now that the case has been dismissed, Hickerson’s restraining order has also been dropped — and he once again will be allowed to see Panettiere.

Holley declined to comment to RadarOnline.com following the dismissal, but the eyewitness said Hickerson let out "a huge sigh of relief” as he left the courtroom on Thursday.

Hickerson and Panettiere's relationship status seems puzzling, as the actress was spotted holding hands with her troubled boyfriend's brother Zach in New York City on September 4.

While a Hickerson family source insisted the two are "just friends," a Panettiere insider said her loved ones were "disturbed" by the strange photos.