SHEEN'S PROBATION EXTENDED

MALIBU, Calif. - A judge extended Charlie Sheen's probation for a year
Monday after the "Wall Street" star admitted using drugs while on probation.

The 32-year-old son of Martin Sheen had been on two years' probation since
June 1997 after pleading no contest to knocking his then-girlfriend to the
floor.

In May, however, Sheen was hospitalized for use of an undisclosed illegal
drug after paramedics got a 911 call from his mansion. Sheen's father asked
prosecutors to charge his son with violating probation.

Gloria Allred, the attorney for Sheen's former girlfriend, argued that
Sheen deserved a year in jail.

But Municipal Judge Lawrence Mira ruled that drug rehabilitation was a
better solution and ordered Sheen to remain on probation until June 2000.
Sheen also must complete 300 hours of community service and submit to
regular drug and alcohol testing.

Sheen looked tan and fit when he arrived at the courthouse in a dark suit,
white shirt and tie.

"I have to say that you look remarkably better than you did then," Mira
said, referring to his disheveled apprearance last spring.

Sheen said outside court that he is getting his life in order.

"I'm in a much better place these days. It's nice to have my health back,"
he said. "I'm really looking forward to getting back to work. I hope the
next time we do this it's about a movie and not everything else, you know."

Checked-by: Mike Gogulski