Phelps Drink-drive Charge

American swimmer Michael Phelps, who won six gold medals at the Olympics in Athens, has been charged with driving under the influence by police in Maryland.

Police stopped the 19-year old from Baltimore, after he jumped a red light. He was also in violation of a driver's license restriction.

Phelps has already admitted to, and apologized for the incident. "It was a mistake. Getting into a car with anything to drink is wrong," he said.

"It's dangerous and it's unacceptable. I'm 19, but was taught that no matter how old you are, you take responsibility for actions, which I will do.

"I'm extremely sorry."

According to the Baltimore Sun, if Phelps is convicted of driving while impaired, violation of a licence restriction and failure to obey a stop sign, he could receive a year in jail, a £540 fine and 12 points on his driver's licence.