Sean Penn avoids jail but sent to anger management therapy

(HMG) – Actor and philanthropist Sean Penn has been known to flash a hot temper, particularly  at the paparazzi.  His latest altercation with a photographer last year just got him sentenced to community service and anger management counseling.

The Oscar-winning actor,  pleaded no contest to a single count of misdemeanor vandalism in the case in which he was accused of kicking a photographer and breaking his camera at an upscale shopping center in the Brentwood area of Los Angeles last October.  A count of misdemeanor battery was dismissed as a result of his plea, which could have led to a possible 18 months behind bars if he had been convicted at trial. A judge ordered Penn, 49, who was not in court for the hearing, to perform 300 hours of community service and undergo 36 hours of anger management counseling.  He was also ordered to stay at least 100 yards away from the photographer and could be ordered to pay restitution at a hearing set for July 8.   TMZ reports that if Penn successfully completes his probation his vandalism conviction will turn into a disturbing the peace conviction — a lesser offense.  A restitution hearing over the pap’s camera and medical bills is set for July 8.