Thursday, May 17, 2007

Hilton 'good behaviour' cuts term

Paris HiltonParis Hilton will serve just half of her 45-day jail sentence and be separated from most other inmates, authorities in California have said.

The celebrity heiress will spend about 23 days in a "special needs housing unit" in a suburb of Los Angeles.

Her sentence was shortened after being given credit for good behaviour.

The 26-year-old socialite was sentenced after violating her probation for a drink-driving conviction. She has been ordered to report to jail by 5 June.

Officials said several factors were considered in granting her the shorter jail term, including the fact that she had appeared at her latest court hearing.

High profile

Hilton will stay in a block that contains 12 cells, each holding two people.

It is reserved for celebrities, public officials, police officers and other high-profile inmates.

The unit is part of the Century Regional Detention Centre in Lynwood, California, which holds over 2,000 prisoners.

Los Angeles County sheriff spokesman Steve Whitmore said Hilton would have the same privileges as all other prisoners, including at least an hour out of her cell each day to shower, watch TV, take part in outdoor recreation or use the phone.

Hilton's lawyer and publicist were not immediately available for comment.