.gif)
A judge in Malibu formally wiped Mel Gibson's criminal record on Tuesday, drawing a line under the Oscar-winning actor-director's infamous 2006 arrest for drink-driving.
Gibson's convictions for driving under the influence were expunged in a routine 90-second hearing before Judge Lawrence J. Mira at Malibu Courthouse which the Hollywood star was not required to attend.
"He does not appear to be on any sort of probation or facing any similar charges. The request is granted," Mira said.
As a first-time drunk-driving offender, Gibson was eligible to have his convictions expunged after successfully completing probation, including a rehabilitation program, and maintaining a clean driving license.
The judge read a routine statement noting that Gibson's convictions "are still valid for gun control purposes and for priors," meaning Gibson could face stiffer charges if he is ever arrested for drink-driving again.
Gibson, 53, was arrested in July 2006 after being caught speeding along the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu while drunk.
It later emerged he had made a string of anti-Semitic and sexist remarks to police officers during his arrest.
He pleaded no contest to a charge of driving under the influence and was given three years probation, ordered to pay 1,400 dollars in fines and told to attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings for four-and-a-half months.
Gibson, the star of "Braveheart" and the "Lethal Weapon" action films, made a series of public apologies for the remarks.
