24 actor Kiefer Sutherland has been sentenced to fouty eight days in jail for drinl driving after he pleaded no contest.Sutherland, 40, was already on probation for a 2004 drink-driving offence when he was arrested last month in LA.As well as his prison sentence he has also recieved a six month driving ban and must attend alcohol education classes for eighteen months and alcohol therapy sessions for six months.But the actor, who is due to start filming the sevebth season of 24, has made a deal with prosecutors that he will serve his time during breaks from his filming schedule.This decision has brought praise from his bosses at Fox Television network.A statement said:"Kiefer made clear to us at the time of his arrest that his first concern was the welfare of those he worked with and that he intended to do whatever was necessary to prevent shutting down the show. "He told us that even if he had to sacrifice more time in custody in order to protect the show and the jobs of those who work with him, he would do so. "From what occurred today, it is evident he is a man of his word."

Helen Earnshaw

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