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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Brogan-Leigh Hurst

Jonathan Rhys Meyers 'swerves jail' but slapped with fine after DUI arrest

Jonathan Rhys Meyers has escaped going to prison after negotiating a deal following his arrest for driving under the influence almost 18 months ago, according to reports.

The 44-year-old troubled actor was charged with DUI by the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office in November after being involved in a minor car accident in Malibu.

Court documents obtained by TMZ suggest the star will walk away with just a $500 (£373) fine and a commitment to attend alcohol and counselling programmes after agreeing a plea deal.

Jonathan's agreement gives him a 12-month summary probation and no jail time - provided he doesn't break the law during that period.

Jonathan Rhys Meyers has swerved jail (AFP via Getty Images)

The Mirror has contacted Jonathan's representative for a comment.

The Tudors star faced "one count of driving under the influence of alcohol" and was also charged with "driving with a blood alcohol content of 0.08 percent or more" following his arrest.

He was said to be over the legal limit and police officers took the star into custody for a misdemeanor DUI.

The actor was released after posting a $5,000 bail.

Jonathan has struggled with his alcohol consumption for some years and is reported to have headed to rehab at least six times in the last 15 years.

Despite trying to curb his alcohol abuse, the actor has reportedly relapsed several times.

The actor was reportedly handed a $500 fine (Derek Storm / SplashNews.com)

Five years ago, the Bend It Like Beckham star apologised after pictures surfaced of him drinking straight vodka in public.

Back in September 2017, the star was also spotted looking 'completely out of it' before security guards ushered him away from Dublin Airport.

One year later, Rhys Meyers was detained by police as LAX after being caught up in a drunken argument with his wife Mara.

The actor is said to have launched into a furious tirade while on the flight from Miami to Los Angeles while his wife and one-year-old son was sat next to him.

He then allegedly tried to smoke an e-cigarette in the bathroom on the flight, which is against the law.

LAX Airport cops detained the star but he was later released.

Jonathan Rhys Meyers and Natalie Dormer in The Tudors (BBC)

Following the ordeal, Jonathan apologised for his behaviour and explained that he had an allergy to alcohol.

Speaking to the Mail on Sunday at the time, he explained: "I’ve let myself down by relapsing, and it’s my responsibility. Nobody else is to blame."

He added: "I don’t suffer from alcoholism – I suffer from an allergy to alcohol every time I drink it," he added.

"When I drink, the consequences are so devastating that it is a problem. But I never need a drink. It’s not something I crave."

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