Matthew Newton’s marriage to long term American girlfriend Catherine Schneiderman is confirmed

Matthew Newton’s marriage to his long term girlfriend Catherine Schneiderman has finally been confirmed.

During Bert Newton’s state funeral on Friday, Dean of St Patrick’s Cathedral, Werner Utri, referred to Catherine as Matthew’s wife.

‘Good morning and welcome to the state funeral of Mr Bert Newton… I’d like to begin by acknowledging a number of people with us today,’ Fr Utri said.

Confirmed: Matthew Newton’s (left) marriage to long term American girlfriend Catherine Schneiderman (right) has been confirmed during his father Bert’s state funeral on Friday

‘First and foremost, Bert Newton’s wife Patti, his daughter Lauren, his son-in-law Matt and grandchildren.’

Fr Utri added: ‘Unfortunately Bert’s son Matthew and his wife Catherine were unable to join us as they are in New York.’

Matthew became engaged to girlfriend Catherine Schneiderman in October 2016.

Reports later emerged that the couple secretly tied the knot, however it has never been confirmed by the couple.

Fr Utri said: ‘Unfortunately Bert’s son Matthew and his wife Catherine were unable to join us as they are in New York’

A family friend told New Idea in 2017 that the couple exchanged ‘I dos’ at the home of Catherine’s mother in New York.

‘[Matthew] rang his parents prior to the big day and invited them but with Bert’s health being a little strained in recent months they decided a long-haul flight to New York might not be a great idea,’ the source explained at the time.

‘This is the best news ever for Bert and Patti … they’re just so happy for Matthew.’

The insider added: ‘Matthew’s battled a lot of demons over the years, but he finally feels like he’s found his place in the world in New York with Cat.’

Matthew has had somewhat of a troubled few years with domestic violence charges against him by then girlfriend Brooke Satchwell in 2006 and fiance Rachael Taylor in 2010.

He was also arrested twice in Miami, Florida in 2012 – the first for trespassing and resisting officers, while a second incident saw him charged with battery and resisting arrest after he attacked a hotel receptionist.

Following the charges, Matt, who suffers from bipolar disorder, checked into the Betty Ford Centre in California for 90 days of alcohol and drug treatment.

Bert Newton was laid to rest at Melbourne’s St Patrick’s Cathedral on Friday. Pictured Bert and wife Patti