THE SOPRANOS - SOPRANOS STAR VENTIMIGLIA PLEADS GUILTY TO DUI

THE SOPRANOS star JOHN VENTIMIGLIA pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of alcohol in a New York City court on Monday (26JUN06). The 42-year-old actor, who plays chef ARTIE BUCCO in the mob drama, agreed a plea deal with prosecutors and was fined $500 (GBP277) and had his driving license suspended for 90 days in Brooklyn Criminal Court. Ventimiglia was stopped by police in Brooklyn on 1 May (06) and a subsequent test showed his blood-alcohol level was 0.12 per cent - above the legal limit of 0.08 per cent. Under the plea deal, charges that Ventimiglia was also in possession of cocaine were dropped. Judge JOHN BURKE has ordered the actor to undergo a detoxification program and attend a one-day course on the dangers of driving under the influence, as well as visit a Brooklyn high school to educate students about drink driving. Ventimiglia is due to return to court for a progress hearing on 25 September (06).