Sean Penn sent to anger management post paparazzi clash

The actor, who is famous for getting into scuffles with the media, pleaded no contest to a single count of misdemeanor vandalism in an incident where he just lost his temper and beat up a media man.

Sean Penn’s clash with photographer
Penn had been filmed going out of control in this brawl with the paparazzi at an upscale shopping center in the Brentwood area of Los Angeles.

Jordan Dawes, the photographer who became the victim of Penn’s wrath in October 2009, said that the actor lost his cool just as some photographers were trying to click his pictures. He started shouting obscenities at the paparazzi and then got physical with him.

"He bee lined it for me and started kicking me in the legs," Dawes said. "As I was backing away, I was still shooting. Then he got me to the other side of the street and punched me in the arm and in my camera."

Reportedly, Penn even threatened Dawes that he would not forget his face and would "put him in a box."

Sean accepted the plea terms and moved on
In court on Wednesday, the Oscar-winning actor escaped a three-year jail sentence. The prosecutors dropped one count of battery as part of a plea deal, and the actor was sentenced to three years’ probation and 36 hours of anger management sessions.

If he fails to keep within limits of the law for three years, Sean Penn might end up behind the bars.

Prolonging this matter in the court system would not have been in Mr. Penn's best interest…. Accordingly he has decided to accept the plea terms and move on.” – Sean Penn’s lawyer

The actor remained absent during Wednesday’s hearing and entered the plea through his attorney.

"Prolonging this matter in the court system would not have been in Mr. Penn's best interest and would've distracted from his charitable commitments, specifically his work with the J/P Haitian Relief Organization," his lawyer Richard Hirsch told PEOPLE. "Accordingly he has decided to accept the plea terms and move on."

Penn, who is currently in Haiti, has been ordered to perform 300 hours of community service. It can be performed through an organization he created for Haiti earthquake victims.

Also, the 49-year-old actor has been asked to keep distance from the photographer. The next hearing is scheduled for July 8, when the judge may order the actor to pay restitution.

Penn’s previous troubles with media
Sean Penn’s short temper is no surprise for the media. The actor has been involved in several incidents of troubles with the paparazzi throughout his career and has previously spent time in jail for attacking a photographer.

Pop star Madonna, who was previously married to Sean Penn, filed a complaint of domestic assault against the actor, before divorcing him in 1989.