The actor Pierce Brosnan has pleaded guilty to stepping off a trail in a thermal area during a visit to Yellowstone National Park in the US.
The former James Bond star was fined $500 (€460) and ordered to make a donation of $1,000 (€920) by 1 April to Yellowstone Forever, a non-profit organisation that supports the park, according to court documents.
The 70-year-old pleaded guilty to “foot travel in all thermal areas and within Yellowstone Canyon confined to trails”, on 1 November last year, while the second charge of violating closures and use limits was dismissed by US Judge Stephanie Hambrick.
In a post on Instagram, Mr Brosan said: “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.”
