Gibson gets three months’ probation in drunk driving case

ACTOR Mel Gibson yesterday pleaded no contest to a drink driving charge in a plea deal and was sentenced to three years’ probation by a US court.

Gibson did not appear in court in Malibu, California, but entered the plea through his lawyer before Superior Court Judge Lawrence Mira, Deputy District Attorney Gina Satriano said in a statement.

Two counts in the original three-count complaint were dismissed.

The court hearing was originally scheduled for September 28, but was moved up at the request of Gibson’s lawyer.

A judge had granted a request made by Gibson’s attorney to move the time of his arraignment on misdemeanour drunken driving charges.

The actor-director was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, driving while having a 0.08% or higher blood-alcohol level, and possessing an open container of alcohol while driving.

Gibson was stopped by police at around 2.30am on July 28 while driving on the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu and made anti-Semitic remarks to the arresting deputy, plunging the Braveheart star into a scandal that forced him to later publicly apologise for what he referred to as “belligerent behaviour” and “despicable” remarks.

Gibson, 50, was ordered to attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings for a year.

He must also enrol in an alcohol abuse programme for three months, and pay fines and restitution totalling $1,300 (€1,013).

His driving licence was restricted for 90 days.

The actor also volunteered to enter rehab immediately and make public service announcements on the hazards of drinking and driving, Deputy District Attorney Satriano said.

Gibson must go to AA five times a week for four-and-a-half months and three times a week for another seven-and-a-half months.