Hot-headed comic Russell Brand should really learn to control his temper, but at least a recent escapade won’t be sending him to jail. Did he get off too easy?

Russell Brand has always had a touchy relationship with the paparazzi, one that got even worse after his short marriage to pop star Katy Perry ended. A few months ago, while filming in New Orleans, Brand had a nasty confrontation with one pap that ended with the photographer’s iPhone being thrown through a glass window.

The New Orleans District Attorney charged Brand with misdemeanor criminal damage, which could carry a penalty of six months in jail if he was convicted.

That won’t be happening, because earlier today, Brand’s attorney cut a deal with prosecutors that allows him to plead not guilty and have the case dismissed after the actor pays $500 in court fees, and performs 20 hours of community service before August 31st.

While this certainly sounds preferable to spending six months in a Louisiana jail, one has to wonder if a spoiled Hollywood star will really do those 20 hours over the next month. Brand’s lawyer says that his client will be working with people who have addiction problems, which has to be better than picking up trash off the streets of New Orleans in 100 degree August heat.

So another famous name behaves badly and gets off with a slap on the wrist. What else is new?