BREAKING NEWS

Former Angels star Scott Spiezio pleaded guilty Monday to driving under the influence and a hit-and-run accident that started with a night of drinking in a Newport Beach bar.

Spiezio was sentenced to three years informal probation, and ordered to complete a three month alcohol offender program. He must also go to two Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and complete 80 hours of community service, court documents show.

Four other charges related to an alleged fight Spiezio had with a friend after the Dec. 30 accident were dismissed.

Authorities issued a warrant in February for Spiezio’s arrest after police said he left a Newport Beach bar after midnight Dec. 30 and recklessly drove his 2004 BMW to his Irvine home. On the way home his car skipped a curb, crashed into a fence and knocked down a pole, blowing the car’s front tires, authorities said. Prosecutors said he ditched the car, ran to his Irvine condo and sought help from a friend. They got into a scuffle after he vomited while the friend tried to help clean him up, prosecutors said.

The St. Louis Cardinals cut the utility infielder in spring training after the arrest warrant was issued. The Atlanta Braves signed the World Series hero to a minor league contract and he began the season with the Triple-A Richmond team. He is perhaps best known for sparking the Angels’ come-from-behind victory in Game Six of the 2002 World Series when he clubbed a 3-run homer against the San Francisco Giants.

Spiezio is allowed to complete his sentence out of state.

JOSEPH SERNA may be reached at (714) 966-4619 or at [email protected].