Washington, Apr 23 (ANI): American lead rock guitarist Richie Sambora pleaded guilty to a charge of driving under the influence in a Newport Beach, Calif. court on Apr 22.

Sambora has been sentenced to three years probation for the misdemeanour, a three-month alcohol education class, and has also been ordered to pay fees.

At the time the sentence was passed, the 48-year-old lead guitarist of the band Bon Jovi, was not present in court and a lawyer showed up on his behalf. The Laguna Beach Police had advised that Sambora should also be charged with child endangerment, as there were children present when the incident happened. However prosecutors declined to pursue that charge.

The guitarist was arrested in Laguna Beach on March 25 after police spotted him driving unsteadily in a Hummer H2.

His blood alcohol level was tested at .13. (The California legal limit is .08).

The other three people in the car were Sambora's girlfriend, Jenn Mallini, his 10-year-old daughter Ava from ex-wife Heather Locklear and Ava's teenage cousin. (ANI)