George Zimmerman arrested for domestic violence

George Zimmerman. Photo / AP

Man cleared of murdering unarmed black teenager in controversial case two years ago is in trouble with the law once again

The man cleared of murdering Trayvon Martin, an unarmed black teenager, in a case that prompted a national debate about racism in the United States, has been arrested on suspicion of domestic violence.

George Zimmerman has had a string of run-ins with the law since being acquitted in controversial circumstances for the 2013 shooting.

He was detained on Friday in Florida for aggravated violence with a weapon, according to Seminole County Sheriff's Office in Forida, and appeared in court a day later.

Local media quoted Don West, Mr Zimmerman's attorney, saying his client had thrown a wine bottle during the incident.

The 31-year-old was a neighbourhood watch volunteer when he shot and killed Mr Martin in February 2012 inside a gated community, just outside Orlando. '

He said he acted in self defence but the acquittal sparked protests demanding justice for his 17-year-old victim and a round of soul searching across the nation.

His then wife said he became a "monster" after the trial and filed for divorce two months later.

She also called police days after beginning divorce proceedings, saying her husband had threatened her and her father with a gun but later declined to press charges.

Several months after that Mr Zimmerman was arrested for domestic violence against a girlfriend who also declined to press charges.

And last September, he was arrested after a man called 911 claiming Mr Zimmerman had threatened to kill him during a road-rage row.