Redmond O'Neal sent to drug rehab

Los Angeles County officials said Thursday that O'Neal, who has undergone several recent arrests on charges of drug possession and driving under the influence of drugs, will enter a year-long treatment program that includes court appearances and frequent drug tests, the BBC reported.

O'Neal, 24, will face prison time if he relapses, but will see two drug convictions dropped from his record if he successfully completes the program, an official said.

O'Neal was allowed out of jail this week to visit his ailing 62-year-old mother, who is suffering from cancer and was recently hospitalized. He has been in custody since April 5, when he was arrested on a heroin possession charge while on bail from a previous drug conviction, the BBC said.

Copyright 2009 by United Press International.