Pierce Brosnan fined for walking off-trail in Yellowstone Park

Hannah McNamara

Navan native and Hollywood star, Pierce Brosnan has pleaded guilty to stepping off a trail in a thermal area during a visit to Yellowstone National Park in the US.

The former James Bond star was fined $500 (€460) and ordered to make a donation of $1,000 (€920) by 1st April to Yellowstone Forever, a non-profit partner of Yellowstone National Park who protect, preserve and enhance the park.

Brosnan was accused of breaching the rules at Yellowstone National Park, located in Wyoming, last November. He was charged with a petty offense for "foot travel in all thermal areas and within Yellowstone Canyon confined to trails," and for "violating closures and use limits."

The 70-year-old pleaded guilty to trespassing on 1st November last year, while the second charge of violating closures and use limits was dismissed by US Judge Stephanie Hambrick.

In an Instagram post, Brosnan said: "As an environmentalist I have the utmost respect for and love of our natural world.

"However, I made an impulsive mistake - one that I do not take lightly - when entering a thermal area covered in snow in Yellowstone National Park to take a photograph. I did not see a "No Trespassing" sign posted that warned of danger nor did I hike in the immediate area.

"I deeply regret my transgression and offer my heartfelt apologies to all for trespassing in this sensitive area.

"Yellowstone and all our National Parks are to be cared for and preserved for all to enjoy."

Brosnan was in the headlines here last week after it emerged his childhood home in Athlumney had been razed to the ground to make way for a new development.