Russell Brand ordered community service for throwing photog’s phone

London: Russell Brand, who has been accused of throwing a photographer’s iPhone through a window, has been ordered to perform 20 hours of community service and pay a 500-dollar court fee to settle the charge.

The 37-year-old actor and comedian could have been handed a six-month jail term for allegedly throwing the man’s iPhone in New Orleans. Brand did not appear in court in New Orleans, but his attorney, Robert Glass, entered a not guilty plea to a charge of criminal damage to property, a news channel has reported. Glass said that under a deal with the District Attorney’s office, the case would be dismissed if the actor provides proof he has completed the service requirement by August 31. He added he hoped Brand may be able to fulfil the requirement through his charitable work with people suffering addictions. Police arrested Brand in March after the photographer accused him of grabbing his iPhone and tossing it through a window, breaking the glass in a city lawyer’s office. Brand’s bail was set at 5,000 dollars and he was released shortly after. District Attorney’s Office spokesman Christopher Bowman said Brand had been charged with one count of misdemeanour criminal damage to property. The charge of simple criminal damage to property valued under 500 dollars carries a potential penalty of up to six months in prison - and/or a 500-dollar fine. ANI