People News

Cameron Douglas given five years

Apr 20, 2010, 22:26 GMT

US actor Michael Douglas (L) and his ex-wife Diandra Douglas (R) leave a federal courthouse after attending the sentencing of their son Cameron in New York, New York, USA, on 20 April 2010. A judge sentenced Michael Douglas\' son, Cameron Douglas, on drug charges to five years in prison at the hearing. EPA/JUSTIN LANE

Cameron Douglas has been sentenced to five years in prison for drug dealing.

The 31-year-old son of US actor Michael Douglas was handed the sentence in New York today (20.04.10), with the judge, Richard Berman, telling him it is his "last chance to make it."

Cameron was given half of the ten-year sentence he was facing, with credit for eight months already served.

'Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps' actor Michael and his ex-wife, Diandra Douglas, were both present to show support for their son.

Speaking to the court, DJ and actor Cameron told of his wish to turn his life around and become "an entertainer".

He said: "I apologise to my family and my loved ones for putting them through this nightmare of my making."

He added: "I ask for an opportunity to be a role model to my younger brothers and sisters."

Cameron was arrested in a New York hotel in 2009 and later pleaded guilty to possession and dealing methamphetamine and cocaine.

Members of Cameron's family including Michael and his father, Hollywood actor Kirk Douglas, submitted letters to the judge, asking for leniency.

Michael spoke in an emotional, handwritten, five-page letter of the pressures of having a famous father and admitted he hadn't been there for Cameron when he was growing up.

Judge Berman said he had taken the letters into account, but too many treated Cameron as a victim.

Berman said: "Get over the idea."

The judge also handed Cameron $25,000 of fines and sentenced him to serve 450 hours of community service.