VENTURA, United States: Troubled pop princess Britney Spears on Monday admitted to reckless driving involving alcohol, in a plea deal that means she will avoid jail.
The “Toxic” singer was arrested in March after police spotted her driving erratically on a freeway in Ventura County, near Los Angeles. She was initially charged with DUI -- driving under the influence -- but under the plea deal confirmed Monday she admitted a lesser charge of reckless driving involving alcohol, drugs or both.
A court in Ventura sentenced the 44-year-old to 12 months´ probation, her lawyer Michael Goldstein said. “She´s going to do well, and we all root for Britney,” Goldstein told reporters, including AFP, outside the court. “I don´t think anybody´s happy about pleading guilty to anything, but under the circumstances and to get this behind her, I think everybody is pleased with the result.
“We appreciate the district attorney recognizing the positive steps that Britney has taken to help herself.” As part of the plea deal, Spears must complete a substance abuse program and meet with mental health professionals.
Prosecutors have given no details on the drug allegedly in her system at the time of arrest and her lawyer declined to comment. Judge Matthew Nemerson ordered that Spears must have a valid prescription for any drugs in her possession. The singer´s representatives told US media after her arrest that she had voluntarily checked in to a rehab facility.
