The British comedian and actor Russell Brand has been fined $500 and ordered to do 20 hours of community service for damaging a photographer’s iPhone in New Orleans in March.

His local attorney, Robert Glass, pleaded not guilty on his behalf at his arraignment hearing at Orleans Parish Municipal Court. Brand did not attend court.

A spokesman for the court told UKscreen that if Brand paid the fine and carried out the community service before the next planned court date, at the end of August, the misdemeanour charge – of criminal damage to property – would most likely be dismissed.

His community service doesn’t have to be done in New Orleans. The court stated simply that it has to be done at “suitable public entity,” which could include anti-addiction organisations he already helps.