Jackass star Steve-O gets jail for SeaWorld construction crane protest

Jackass star Steve-O has been given 30 days in jail for climbing a crane in a protest against SeaWorld.

An emergency crew turned out to rescue the actor, whose real name is Stephen Glover, from a 100ft high crane on a building site on Sunset Boulevard.

"If your goal is to make a statement about captivity, you may as well get yourself locked up," he said in a statement released through his lawyer.

Steve-O later climbed down and was arrested when he reached the ground.

The 41-year-old had inflated a large killer whale balloon with the words "SeaWorld Sucks" on it and lit fireworks when he reached the top of the crane.

Steve-O was also sentenced on Wednesday to three years of probation and ordered to reimburse the city of Los Angeles nearly $14,000 (£9,100) for the police and fire response.

Five ambulances, a helicopter and more than 80 firefighters were sent to the scene, fire department spokeswoman Margaret Stewart said.

"Some of the resources on this hoax could have been devoted to a real emergency," she said.

Glover was charged for several offences, including conspiracy to commit trespassing and filming without a permit.

So far a representative for SeaWorld has declined to comment.

Glover said his protest was in response to controversy over the 2013 documentary Blackfish, which criticised SeaWorld's treatment of killer whales.

It has been reported that SeaWorld has seen profits drop by 84%.

Under the terms of his probation, Steve-O will have to stay away from the neighbourhood where the incident took place, refrain from using fireworks and not perform any unpermitted stunts that are likely to draw police and fire responders in Los Angeles.

He's scheduled to report to jail in December.

"I must say I'm ready to go to jail - not just because it will bring so much attention to the plight of orcas in captivity, but because it's nice to let people know I haven't lost my edge," the star continued in his statement.

"What can I say? I'm a jackass."

Steve-O was protesting against SeaWorld's treatment of the whales it keeps in captivity

Last year, Steve-O was cited with a violation of California's vehicle code for altering a SeaWorld exit sign on a San Diego highway to read: "SeaWorld Sucks."

His sentencing comes a day before a scheduled vote by the California Coastal Commission on a request by SeaWorld San Diego to expand its orca tanks.

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