Britney Spears admits to reckless driving in plea deal to avoid jail

The singer, who was initially charged with driving under the influence after her arrest in March, was sentenced to 12 months’ probation

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 on 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 Agence France-Presse, 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 recognising the positive steps that Britney has taken to help herself.”