Sutherland released from prison

Actor Kiefer Sutherland was released from jail today after serving 48 days on a drink-driving charge.

The 41-year-old star of the TV thriller '24' walked out of prison just after midnight.

Sutherland has spent his sentence cleaning sheets, pillowcases and blankets on laundry duty.

"He was very humble, never complained," a prison spokesman said. "He didn't give us any problems at all."

Sutherland pleaded no contest in October to driving with a blood-alcohol level above the legal limit of 0.08%. He was sentenced to 30 days, as well as 18 days for violating probation stemming from a 2004 drunken-driving arrest.

After entering his plea, Sutherland issued a statement saying he was "very disappointed in myself for the poor judgment I exhibited recently, and I'm deeply sorry for the disappointment and distress this has caused my family, friends and co-workers".

He was granted a request to serve his time in suburban Glendale's city jail rather than in the overcrowded downtown Los Angeles County jail. In exchange he was not allowed time off his sentence for good behaviour or early release because of overcrowding.

The actor also has to serve five years probation, complete an 18-month alcohol education program and attend weekly therapy sessions for six months.