Kellie Pickler's Father Back in Prison  2/13/07

American Idol star Kellie Pickler's father Clyde is behind bars again in North Carolina where he is facing multiple assault charges.

The 20-year-old was a favorite in Season Five of the reality talent competition, especially after it was revealed she was abandoned by her mother and her father was serving time in prison.

Clyde Pickler was initially released from a Florida prison last year (06) after serving a three-year sentence for stabbing a neighbor.

He is currently back in jail where he is charged with assault on a female, communicating threats and assault with a deadly weapon.

Kellie Pickler's representative Wes Vaughn confirms the reports, telling American publication Us Weekly, "This information is correct and Kellie is aware of the situation. We have no comment."

Her father is now being held on $20,000 bond and his next court appearance will be on 28 February (07).