Kiefer Sutherland imprisoned - will spend Christmas in jail

Kiefer Sutherland will spend Christmas behind bars after being sentenced to 48 days in jail.

The Emmy Award-winning '24' star was at the Metropolitan Brach Courthouse in L.A. today (5 December) for the hearing - 16 days before his scheduled appearance.

Kiefer, 40, was sentenced to 48 days in the Glendale City Jail after pleading no contest to a DUI charge nearly two months ago.

Sutherland must complete the jail term by March 30, according to L.A. City Attorney's Office representative Nick Velasquez.

The fallen star is expected to serve the full 48 days behind bars.

Sutherland was also told he must face 5 years in probation, complete an 18-month alcohol program, take six months of weekly therapy sessions and pay a $510 fine by L.A. Superior Court Judge Stuart Rice.

Sutherland was arrested on 25 September in Beverley Hills at 1am.

He was charged with DUI three days later in connection with the arrest.

Sutherland was sentenced to 30 days for this new offense, with an additional 18 days given for a probation violation from a previous 2004 DUI case involving The Lost Boys star.

The son of Donald Sutherland, was given 5 years probation, 50 hours of community service and told to go to an alcohol program in 2004. The Glendale City Jail has 96 beds and 48 cells. Two inmates share a cell, as well as a toilet, washbasin and a water fountain.

Glendale Police chief Randy Adams told a US Celebrity website that Sutherland will be treated "just like anyone else."

He said: "The fact that he's a celebrity makes no difference - he checked that at the door when he checked in."

Adams also said Sutherland will be expected to perform laundry and kitchen duties, and will serve the 48 days consecutively. But he will not share a cell, as "long-term inmates" have their own space.

The actor checked into Glendale City Jail tonight (5 December) at around 5.30pm. He will spend his birthday (21 December), Christmas and New Years in prison.