SHEEN GETS OFF PROBATION AFTER NEARLY 2 YEARS

Former Hollywood hell-raiser Charlie Sheen was released 71 days early
from probation on alcohol and drug offenses Monday and told reporters:
``It's nice to have . . . a second chance.''

Sheen, the 34-year-old actor son of Martin Sheen, had been on
probation for almost two years for alcohol and drug abuse and a 1996
battery conviction against a former girlfriend.

Malibu Municipal Court Judge Lawrence Mira, who ended the order 71
days early, told the actor, ``You've made an enormous turnaround in
your life and career. You don't need me anymore.''

Sheen, who starred in ``Wall Street'' and ``Platoon,'' was recently
named to replace Michael J. Fox in the ABC hit TV sitcom ``Spin
City.'' Fox, who is battling the nerve disorder Parkinson's disease,
is leaving the series.

Martin Sheen took out an arrest warrant against his son in 1998 to
force him into a drug rehabilitation program. Charlie Sheen has since
followed a regimen of abstinence and community service, while
continuing to work as an actor. His last role was in a cameo as
himself in last year's quirky comedy ``Being John Malkovich.''