Kiefer Sutherland gets 48 days in jail

The Emmy-winning actor who plays all-American hero Jack Bauer on the hit Fox TV series pleaded no contest to a single DUI count yesterday in a deal that leaves little room for one of his signature TV escapes.

Sutherland must serve 18 days starting Dec. 21 to pay for the fact that his recent drunk-driving bust violated the probation terms of his 2004 DUI conviction. Cushy house arrest with electronic monitoring is strictly forbidden. He then must serve another 30 days by July, with no Paris Hilton-style reprieve, officials said.

"He has to serve the time ... [There's] no credit for overcrowding," said Frank Mateljan, spokesman for Los Angeles city prosecutor Rocky Delgadillo.

Sutherland, now a twice-convicted drunk driver, was busted last month after making an illegal U-turn in West Hollywood and flunking a breath test at the scene.

"I'm very disappointed in myself for the poor judgment I exhibited," Sutherland, 40, said in a statement. "I'm deeply sorry for the disappointment and distress this has caused my family, friends and co-workers on 24 and at 20th Century Fox."

Fox issued a statement of support for Sutherland reiterating its commitment to a "long relationship" with him. The actor must also complete an 18-month alcohol-education program and get therapy.

Via nydailynews