Date: 28th June 2001

Sheen Gets Three Years Probation


LATEST: MARTIN SHEEN has been sentenced to three years' probation after pleading guilty to charges of trespassing at an American military air base.

The 60-year-old actor, who plays the American president in hit TV series THE WEST WING, was also fined $500 (£385) in Los Angeles yesterday afternoon (27JUN01).

Sheen was arrested in October (00) at the VANDENBERG AIR FORCEBase in California, after joining a demonstration against thecountry's proposed Star Wars military nuclear defence system.

Sheen says he had to plead guilty because of work obligations,
explaining, "I have a prior engagement with The West Wing, anotheryear on my contract, and I can't risk losing (at a trial) and going to prison for six months. Morally, I'm bound to fulfil my contract. That was the whole motivation."

But the outspoken star says that the verdict has left him
"conquered, but unafraid," and he insists he will continue to
oppose Star Wars initiatives.

Under the terms of his probation, Sheen is banned from Vandenberg without permission from officials there.

Earlier in the day, Sheen joined his fellow protesters outside
court, who were waving banners saying, "No Star Wars". (KW/WNWCCB)

Source: WENN