Robert Downey Jr was sentenced to three years probation and ordered to remain in a live-in rehabilitation home for at least one year after pleading no contest on Monday to felony and misdemeanor drug charges stemming from a November arrest at an LA resort.
Downey faced up to four years behind bars, but prosecutors were keen to allow the Chaplin star to remain at Wavelengths, the live-in centre where he’s been since an April drug arrest. Charges from that run-in were later dropped. The actor, who was nominated for an Emmy last week for his work on Ally McBeal, was aided in part by a recent California law which pushes treatment rather than prison time for non-violent drug offenders.
Judge Randall White was quick to point out that should the 36-year-old run into trouble again, there would be “severe consequences”, namely jail time.
“Thank you for your consideration, your honour,” Downey said on Monday. The Oscar nominee, who must wear an electronic ankle bracelet when leaving the centre and submit to random drug testing, is due back in court in November for a progress hearing.
Downey’s drug dependency came to light in 1996 when police found cocaine in his car after pulling him over for speeding. He later served one year of a three-year sentence after violating his probation by missing scheduled drug tests, but was released in August 2000. One week later the acclaimed actor signed for a guest spot on Ally. Following his April arrest this year, Downey was fired from the David E Kelley drama. But, insiders say he may one day return to the series which he is credited with reviving following a lacklustre 1999-2000 season.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
