Man who destroyed Trump's star with ax has to pay nearly $10,000, sentenced to probation

LOS ANGELES – A man who smashed Donald Trump's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame has been sentenced to three years' probation after pleading no contest to a felony count of vandalism. 

City News Service reports a judge on Wednesday also sentenced Austin Mikel Clay, 24, to attend psychological counseling and pay more than $9,400 to the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. And he has to perform community service.

Police and prosecutors in Los Angeles say Clay used a pickax to destroy Trump's star on Hollywood Boulevard on July 25. According to the police, Clay fled the scene after destroying the star but later turned himself in. 

He was arrested and booked on felony vandalism charges. His bail was set at $20,000.

After he pleaded not guilty in August, Clay told reporters the vandalism was a "rightful and just act." He said he wanted to "bring about positive political change" and didn't believe prosecutors should have charged him.

He is the second man charged recently with taking a pickax to Trump's sidewalk star: The same tool was used in a similar incident in October 2016 and was left behind at the scene.

The star recognizes Trump for his work on the TV show "The Apprentice." It was quickly repaired both times.

Related: Trump's star on Hollywood Walk of Fame smashed with a pickax, again

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