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

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.”