Keith Richards Pardoned by Arkansas - 31 Years Later

[SuzeQuze]

LIFE STYLE EXTRA (UK) - Keith Richards has been pardoned as a reckless driver - 31 years after committing the offence.

The state of Arkansas is prepared to clear the 62-year-old Rolling Stones guitarist for the reckless driving offence he pleaded guilty to in 1975.

Governor Mike Huckabee said he decided to pardon the veteran rocker because he didn't want Richards' impression of Arkansas "marred by a misdemeanour traffic stop".

Richards was driving from Memphis to Dallas with Rolling Stones bandmate Ronnie Wood when police saw the car swerve - Richards later said he had bent down to adjust the radio.

After stopping the vehicle, the investigating police officer said he smelled marijuana and took the pair to City Hall. Richards was charged with reckless driving and possession of a concealed knife.

The knife charge was dropped and Richards pleaded guilty to reckless driving and paid a $162.50 fine.

During a Little Rock concert in March, Richards asked if anyone in the audience was from Fordyce - where he was arrested - adding: "I used to know the chief of police there".

The state Parole Board approved the clemency application on July 3, and once Governor Mike Huckabee signs the pardon it will clear Richards' record in Arkansas.

The Rolling Stones' publicist Fran Curtis said she knew nothing about the clemency.

(c) BANG Media International.

http://www.lse.co.uk/ShowbizNews.asp...ards_pardoned_