Actor Sean Penn Granted Delay in 60-Day Jail Term

Actor Sean Penn, who was to begin serving a 60-day County Jail sentence today, won a delay until August because of film commitments.

The tentative agreement was reached in a meeting Monday between the prosecutor, defense attorney Howard Weitzman and Municipal Court Commissioner Juelann Cathey.

The delay will be formally announced in court today, the prosecutor, Deputy City Atty. Alice Hand, said.

The 26-year-old star of “Bad Boys,” “The Falcon and the Snowman” and other films about brooding youth was sentenced two weeks ago for punching a movie extra on the set of the police drama, “Colors.”

At the time of the incident, Penn was on probation for beating a man he thought was trying to kiss his wife, rock star Madonna.

“Sean is pleased with the outcome, and he is eager to serve his time. He knows he did something wrong,” Weitzman said. “His attitude has been great--very refreshing. . . . There’s no way in hell he’s not going to complete the sentence.”

Penn, who has commitments to film movies in New York and West Germany, will split the sentence in half, with the first term to begin Aug. 1, Hand said. Any remaining part of the sentence will be served at a date to be determined, she said.

“His treatment is not unusual,” the prosecutor said. “Like other defendants who are employed, we’re letting him complete prior business commitments. Also, he poses no immediate threat to the same person he injured.”

“I’m so glad this is finally over. For both our sake(s), I hope Penn doesn’t repeat his mistakes,” Hand added.