Paris Hilton's aunt, reality TV star Kim Richards, has checked into rehab following an alleged drunken altercation with a police officer earlier this month (Apr15).

The child actress-turned-Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star was charged with public intoxication, resisting arrest, trespassing and battery on a police officer after cops where called to the Beverly Hills Hotel, where she was accused of causing a disturbance.

The 50 year old, who has openly discussed her drug and alcohol battle on the reality series, has now been admitted to a live-in rehabilitation facility in Malibu, California which specialises in substance abuse, according to TMZ.com.

She previously attempted to get sober during a rehab visit in 2011.

The news emerges days after Richards stormed out of a TV interview with self-help guru Dr. Phil McGraw after she took issue with his alleged attempts to stage an intervention. The chat will be broadcast on Tuesday (28Apr15).