Beasts Of The Southern Wild star Dwight Henry has been released from police custody following his arrest on Thursday (20Nov14).

The actor, who played Wink in the Oscar-nominated film, was detained in New Orleans, Louisiana after surrendering himself to police investigating allegations he stole $270 (£169) from a bakery where he used to work and made threats against staff.

Henry, who also appeared in 12 Years A Slave and has a role as Marvin Gaye's father in a new biopic, was charged with theft and later released on his own recognisance. The 51 year old was also reportedly slapped with a restraining order.

His attorney Bobby Hjortsberg says, "This isn't a story about the facts of this case. This is a story about who he is... The charges currently against him are baseless... You know we look forward to having this thing play out and I'm confident it's going to play out in his favour."

Henry is due back in court in New Orleans on 19 January (15).