Gibson gets probation on drunk-driving charge

Actor Mel Gibsonwasgiven three years' probation and ordered to enrol in an alcohol-abuse programafter pleadingno contest to a drunk-driving charge inMalibu, Calif.,onThursday.

He was alsofined $1,300 USandhad his driver's licence restricted for 90 days, the district attorney's office said.

In addition to entering a three-monthrehab program, the judge ordered Gibson to attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings five times a week for 4½months and three timesa week for another 7½months. Gibson,a member of AA,notified the court he wouldbegin rehab immediately.

The 50-year-old actorentered the plea to the misdemeanour charge through his attorney, who said Gibsonalso offeredto do public-service announcements on the hazards of drinking and driving.

Two other charges— having an elevated blood-alcohol level and having an open liquor bottle in his car —were dropped.

Gibsoncreated a storm of bad publicity after making anti-Semitic commentsto the arresting deputy afterhewas stopped in the early hours of the morning July 28 while driving on Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu.

He later apologized for his "belligerent behaviour" and "despicable" remarks.

"I disgraced myself and my family with my behaviour and for that I am truly sorry. I have battled with the disease of alcoholism for all of my adult life and profoundly regret my horrific relapse," he said in his apology.

Gibson's star rose with the Australian movie Mad Max and he had Hollywood hits with the Lethal Weapon movies. In 1995, he acted and directed Braveheart, which earned him a best directing Oscar and was named best picture of the year.

His 2004 blockbuster The Passion of the Christ went on to gross more than $600 million US worldwide, but earned him accusations of anti-Semitism.