Posted on 08/18/2006 9:59:50 AM PDT by Hal1950
LIFE STYLE EXTRA (UK) - Mel Gibson has escaped jail after pleading guilty to drunk driving.
The 'Mad Max' star agreed a plea bargain with prosecutors on Thursday (17.08.06) and in return was given three years probation, ordered to attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and told to enrol in an alcohol abuse programme for three months.
Mel - who was also fined $1,300 and had his driving license restricted for 90 days - was arrested on July 28 after being pulled over on Pacific Coast Highway, in Maui, for speeding.
He then launched into an anti-Semitic tirade, during which he allegedly said: "Jews are responsible for all the wars in the world."
Afterwards, the 50-year-old actor profusely apologised for his comments.
Mel said: "I acted like a persson completely out of control when I was arrested, and said things that I do not believe to be true and which are despicable.
"I am deeply ashamed of everything I said, and I apologise to anyone who I have offended."
Mel - who signed the plea agreement and waived his right to a jury trial on Monday (14.08.06) - did not appear in court for the hearing. His lawyer Blair Berk entered the plea on his behalf.
Malibu's deputy district attorney Gina Satriano said in a statement: "This was an appropriate outcome which addresses all the public safety concerns of drinking and driving."
Apparently his fans think he is above reproach. That was my point.
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