Sean Penn sentenced over spat with photographer

The 49-year-old actor pleaded no contest to a misdemeanour charge of vanadalism for the October incident when he confronted a photographer and broke his camera at a shopping centre. A second charge of battery was dismissed.

The actor was not required to appear in court for the hearing because both charges were misdemeanours, Sky News reported.Penn must stay 100 yards away from the photographer involved in the altercation, a spokesman for the Los Angeles City Attorney's Office said.

The actor, who won the best actor Oscar trophy last for his portrayal of gay politician Harvey Milk in 'Milk', has a history of violent confrontations with photographers.

He was sentenced to 60 days in jail in 1987, serving roughly half that time behind bars, after attacking a snapper on a film set.Penn has also won a best actor Oscar for his performances in 'Mystic River'