April 13, 2007 20:47

Phish frontman pleads guilty in drug case

Trey Anastasio avoids jail time

Former Phish frontman Trey Anastasio pleaded guilty today (April 13) to a felony drug charge in New York.

Anastasio was able to avoid jail time through a plea agreement that drops more serious charges and orders him into a drug court programme.

The programme requires Anastasio to make weekly court appearances for 12 to 15 months in addition to performing community service. He will also be required to undergo periodic drug testing, reports the Associated Press.

The 42-year-old guitarist admitted he was in possession of Vicodin, Percocet, heroin and Xanax when he was pulled over by New York police on December 15, as previously reported.

If Anastasio successfully completes the programme, he will receive five year's probation.

If he does not, he may receive up to three years in prison. He will not be sentenced until he completes the programme.

Anastasio issued a written statement shortly after the arrest, apologising for his behaviour and for "any embarrassment I have caused my friends, family and fans."

--By our Los Angeles staff.
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