Nolte's drug-driving case postponed

A judge in the US has postponed Hollywood actor Nick Nolte’s arraignment on charges of driving under the influence and being under the influence of a controlled substance.

A new date was set for December 5 so the defence can test a blood sample.

Prosecutors said the 61-year-old actor had used the banned depressant gamma hydroxybutyrate, or GHB, the so-called date-rape drug, before he was stopped on Pacific Coast Highway on September 11.

Police said his black Mercedes-Benz was swerving into oncoming lanes near his west Malibu home.

“He was not under the influence of a date-rape drug. That’s ridiculous,” defence attorney Mark Werksman said outside court yesterday.

“Nick Nolte is not out there popping illicit or narcotic drugs.”

Mr Werksman and Deputy District Attorney Loni Petersen had a brief private discussion with Superior Court Judge Lawrence Mira. Nolte was not in court.

The judge said Nolte could remain free if he abides by several conditions, including random drug tests, treatment in a substance abuse programme, no driving until his licence suspension ends, and abstinence from alcohol and drugs.

GHB, which comes in liquid, powder or pill form, became a popular club drug because it can cause euphoria. It also can lead to loss of consciousness.

Nolte checked into a Connecticut rehabilitation centre days after his arrest. If convicted on the misdemeanour charges, he could serve up to six months in jail.

“He’s doing fine. He’s back home in Malibu where he’s working and looking forward to the release of several new pictures,” Mr Werksman said yesterday.

Nolte had a reputation as a heavy drinker for years, and once described himself as a “functioning drunk”. In the mid-1990s, he reportedly quit alcohol and became a fitness buff.

He was nominated for Oscars for 1991’s The Prince of Tides and 1997’s Affliction. He also received an Emmy nomination for his role as Tom Jordache in the 1976 TV mini-series Rich Man, Poor Man.