Hilton escapes jail over drugs charge

PARIS HILTON acknowledged yesterday that she had cocaine in her purse and pleaded guilty to two misdemeanour charges stemming from her arrest last month at a Las Vegas hotel-casino.

She will serve a year of probation and avoid a felony charge under the terms of a plea deal worked out with prosecutors. The celebrity heiress pleaded guilty to drug possession and obstructing an officer.

Hilton, 29, must complete a drug abuse programme, pay a $2,000 (€1,500) fine and serve 200 hours of community service.