24 star begins 48-day sentence
2007-12-06 23:49
Los Angeles - Kiefer Sutherland, the terrorist-bashing star of the TV crime thriller 24, was himself behind bars on Thursday after a judge sentenced him to a 48-day jail sentence for a drink-driving offense.
Sutherland, 40, was formally sentenced on Wednesday and decided to begin his term in Glendale city jail immediately. He pleaded no contest to the drink-driving charges after he was arrested in September while on probation for a previous offence.
Had he not entered a plea, he could have faced up to a year-and-a-half in prison if convicted.
Sutherland could have started serving his jail term as late as February but is believed to have opted for the early option while filming of 24 is on hiatus due to the screenwriters strike.
"I'm very disappointed in myself for the poor judgment I exhibited recently, and I'm deeply sorry for the disappointment and distress this has caused my family, friends and co-workers," Sutherland said after sentencing.
Under the terms of his plea, he also must serve five years of probation, pay a $510 fine, enroll in an 18-month alcohol-education class and attend weekly alcohol-therapy sessions for six months, Assistant City Attorney Dan Jeffries said.
Under the terms of his sentence Sutherland is ineligible for early release. He is likely to have his own cell in the minimum security facility which has 48 cells and will be expected to work in the laundry room and kitchen.
He will be allowed two visitors per day and be given access to an outdoor area.
The Canadian-born actor took on the role of 24's counter-terrorist agent Jack Bauer in 2001, and won an Emmy for the role last year.
- Sapa-dpa
- SAPA