Sean Penn completes anger management classes

Sean Penn has completed the anger management classes he was ordered to take following a showdown with a photographer in 2009.

The Mystic River star pleaded no contest to vandalism after clashing with a paparazzo and as a result a charge of battery was dismissed - but in addition to probation, Penn was ordered to attend 36 hours of classes.

He was given top marks for his progress during a hearing in January and Penn has now completed the course, his lawyer told a court on Friday.

Website TMZ.com reports Penn will remain on probation until next May.