Mel Gibson criminal record cleared over 2006 bust
AFP
LOS ANGELES- A judge in Malibu formally wiped Mel Gibson's criminal record on Tuesday, drawing a line under the Oscar-winning actor-director's infamous 2006 arrest for drink-driving.
Gibson's convictions for driving under the influence were expunged in a routine 90-second hearing before Judge Lawrence J. Mira at Malibu Courthouse which the Hollywood star was not required to attend.
As a first-time drunk-driving offender, Gibson was eligible to have his convictions expunged after successfully completing probation, including a rehabilitation program, and maintaining a clean driving license.
The judge read a routine statement noting that Gibson's convictions "are still valid for gun control purposes and for priors," meaning Gibson could face stiffer charges if he is ever arrested for drink-driving again.
Gibson, 53, was arrested in July 2006 after being caught speeding along the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu while drunk.
It later emerged he had made a string of anti-Semitic and sexist remarks to police officers during his arrest.
He pleaded no contest to a charge of driving under the influence and was given three years probation, ordered to pay 1,400 dollars in fines and told to attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings for four-and-a-half months.
Gibson, the star of "Braveheart" and the "Lethal Weapon" action films, made a series of public apologies for the remarks.
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