I didn't want to ruin Gibson, says cop

The California police officer who arrested Mel Gibson for drink driving last month regrets hurting the actor's reputation among allegations he made anti-Semitic comments during the incident.

Los Angeles County Sheriff Deputy James Mee arrested The Passion Of The Christ film-maker in Malibu, California on suspicion of drink-driving.

Last Saturday, entertainment website TMZ.com published what they claim is the initial police report filed after Gibson's arrest, which alleges the star launched a anti-Semitic attack on Mee, who is Jewish.

Gibson has since been admitted to a rehabilitation centre after apologising for his "horrific relapse".

Following the allegations, US TV network ABC announced they have cancelled plans to produce a mini-series about the Holocaust with Gibson's production company. A series of Jewish groups have also called on Hollywood to ostracise the star.

However, Mee said: "I don't take pride in hurting Mr Gibson.

"What I had hoped out of this is that he would think twice before he gets behind the wheel of a car and was drinking. I don't want to ruin his career. I don't want to defame him in any way or hurt him."

While Mee does not elaborate on Gibson's offensive comments, he explained: "That stuff is booze talking. There's two things that booze does. It amplifies your basic personality. If you are a laid-back kind of person, just an easy-going kind of person, booze is going to amplify that and you'll be just

sitting around going how it's a wonderful day."

Gibson has been released on $5,000 (€3,882) bail.