Entertainment

Sheen Released From Probation

By Rome Neal

March 28, 2000 / 8:32 AM EST / CBS

Actor Charlie Sheen pronounced Monday "a great day" after he was given early release from probation for a misdemeanor battery conviction.

The judge granting his early release request cut more than two months from his probationary term, reports CBS station KCBS-TV.

The probation, which stemmed from a 1996 attack on a girlfriend, had been extended to June 6, 2000, after Sheen's father, actor Martin Sheen, reported last year that his son had nearly died of a drug overdose.

At a news conference after Monday's hearing, Sheen told reporters, "They say that the longest journey begins with a first step and the first step was taken in this courtroom almost two years ago..and since that day, my life has improved drastically."

This was Sheen's second request for early release. Judge Lawrence Mira denied the first request in September, but said then that he "couldn't be more pleased" with Sheen's efforts to stay sober.

On Monday, Judge Lawrence Mira told Sheen, "`Everyone has their demons, and I believe you're winning the battle but you haven't won yet. Still, you've made an enormous turnaround in your life and career. You don't need me anymore."

Sheen, who recently was named to replace Michael J. Fox on the ABC sitcom Spin City, said it's nice to have a second chance.

"They say that success tasted the second time around is so much sweeter. I find I'm tasting that," he said.