Pierce Brosnan breaks silence after guilty plea to illegal hike and huge fine
Pierce Brosnan has pleaded guilty to hiking too close to sensitive geothermal pools in a closed part of Yellowstone National Park.
It comes two months after he initially pleaded not guilty to trespassing in hot springs, where acid rising from the ground can reach boiling temperatures. A judge in Wyoming accepted his plea and ordered him to pay a fine of over $1,500 (£1,175) for the offense.The payment will go to a non-profit tasked with preserving the park.
On Thursday, former James Bond star Brosnan, 70, admitted to violating federal regulations that ban foot traffic near the Mammoth Terraces hot springs. A second charge accusing him of disregarding closure signs in the area was dropped as part of the deal. Both crimes are classified as "petty offense and misdemeanors".
Pierce Brosnan has pleaded guilty to hiking too close to sensitive geothermal pools in a closed part of Yellowstone National Park (Instagram)
Pierce broke his silence on the matter, taking to Instagram to share his love for wildlife and nature. In the post, he admitted to making a huge mistake, as he wrote: "As an environmentalist I have the utmost respect for and love of our natural world.
"However, I made an impulsive mistake - one that I do not take lightly - when entering a thermal area covered in snow in Yellowstone National Park to take a photograph. I did not see a 'No Trespassing' sign posted that warned of danger nor did I hike in the immediate area.
"I deeply regret my transgression and offer my heartfelt apologies to all for trespassing in this sensitive area. Yellowstone and all our National Parks are to be cared for and preserved for all to enjoy," he added.
Man in 30s dies after being stabbed in park sparking police probe
In early December, it was reported that Brosnan could face a £3,900 ($5,000) fine and possibly jail time after he was 'caught wandering' into a protected area of the park. He had been 'cited twice' for allegedly 'venturing off the permitted path, attempting to get a closer look at the hot springs in the Mammoth Terraces'.
Federal rules say national park visitors must stay on designated walkways. Venturing off the boardwalk is punishable by up to six months in jail as well as a fine of up to $5,000. It was earlier in November that the iconic Irish actor was spotted out and about after showcasing his figure during a trip to the beach recently.
Millions of people visit Yellowstone each year and at least 22 individuals have died from burns sustained from the park's springs and geysers.
Pierce has pleaded guilty (DAILY MIRROR)The actor was spotted out in Malibu, California, where he appeared to be out shopping in the community, where he's understood to live with his family. He was seen wearing a black shirt which offered a glimpse of what seemed to be a white vest underneath. Pierce's outfit also included dark trousers and a pair of brown shoes. He accessorised the look with a pair of black sunglasses.
Pierce - who has appeared in hit films Mrs. Doubtfire (1993) and Mamma Mia! (2008) throughout his career - was photographed during the outing. He was seen carrying a paper bag around while walking through the community.
The iconic actor is best known for having played the lead role in the James Bond film series from 1995 to 2002. He made his debut in GoldenEye (1995), before appearing in Tomorrow Never Dies (1997) and The World Is Not Enough (1999). His stint in the role concluded with Die Another Day (2002).
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
