Cocaine found in Downey's system

Chaplin star Robert Downey Jr, who is battling a long-time drug addiction, had traces of cocaine in his system when he was arrested last month, police in California said.

The urine test that Downey, 36, voluntarily took revealed no other drugs in his system, said Lt Dave Tankenson of the Culver City Police Department.

‘‘It will be up to the DA’s office on what charges to file,’’ Tankenson said Thursday. ‘‘But we are recommending he be charged with a misdemeanour of being under a controlled substance.’’

Downey was arrested in a Culver City alley last month and was released to his parole office and ordered to return to court on May 15.

Downey, who was already facing drug charges stemming from a November arrest at a Palm Springs, Florida, hotel, could face up to a year in jail for his most recent arrest.

His troubles led to his release from his Golden Globe-winning role on the TV comedy Ally McBeal.

Downey’s drug problems span at least five years. In 1996, police found cocaine, heroin and a pistol in his vehicle after he was stopped by police for speeding.

A month later, Downey was found passed out in a neighbour’s home and was treated at a substance-abuse centre. Three days later, he was arrested for leaving the centre.

Downey was sentenced to three years in prison in August 1999 for violating his probation by skipping scheduled drug tests. He was released a year later on 5,000 dollars (£3,300) bail.