Sean Penn Charged With Vandalism And Battery

12:01pm UK, Saturday February 20, 2010

Julia Reid, Sky News Online

Oscar-winning actor Sean Penn has been charged with battery and vandalism after he allegedly kicked a photographer in the leg and broke his camera.

Sean Penn with his 2009 Oscar for the film Milk

The 49-year-old film star, who was married to Madonna for four years, could face up to 18 months behind bars if convicted.

The incident took place in the upmarket Brentwood area of Los Angeles in October last year.

It was caught on camera and broadcast on the celebrity news website TMZ.com.

But it is not the first time Penn has had a run in with the paparazzi.

In 1987 he was sentenced to 60 days in jail for attacking a photographer on a film set. He eventually served roughly half that time.

Penn won best actor Oscars for his performance in Mystic River and the 2008 hit Milk, and has been nominated for the award for three further films.

He has not been nominated for any of his work in this year's Academy Awards, due to take place on March 7.

He will make his first court appearance on March 22.