GUS VAN SANT - VAN SANT PLEADS NOT GUILTY TO DRIVING CHARGE

Movie maverick GUS VAN SANT has pleaded not guilty to drink driving charges in Oregon. The GOOD WILL HUNTING director was arrested late on 21 December (06) in Portland after police discovered his alcohol limit was more than twice the legal state limit for motorists. In the police report of his arrest, officials claimed Van Sant had bloodshot eyes, slurred speech and reeked of alcohol when he was pulled over for failing to turn his headlights on. He then failed a sobriety test. The moviemaker will now appear in court next month (09FEB07), when authorities will determine whether he should enter a diversion programme. In the meantime, the MY OWN PRIVATE IDAHO director has been told he must avoid alcohol.