NEWYORK:Popstar JustinTimberlake was handed a sentence of community service on Friday after he changed his plea to guilty following his arrest for drunk driving, US media reported.

On June 18, the 43-year-old entertainer was pulled over in the town of Sag Harbor, about 160 kilometres east of New York City, after police observed his BMW go through a stop sign and struggle to stay within road lanes.

Justice Carl1race handed Timberlake a community service sentence and ordered the star to make a public statement after the singer pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of driving while alcohol impaired, broadcaster NBC reported.

The charge is a traffic violation that carries a fine between $300 to $500 and a 90-day license suspension.

Timberlake told 1race that he wouldbe willing to perform between 25 and 40 hours of community service to settle the case, NBC reported.

`Selfish` star `I try to hold myself to a very high standard for myself. This was not that. I found myself in a position where I could have made a different decision, Timberlake said outside the court.

`Even if you`ve had one drink, don`t get behind the wheel of a car, there`s so many alternatives,` added Timberlake, who wore a dark cardigan and a pearl necklace.

`I grew up in a small town so I can appreciate and understand the strain, or unique nature, of what this must have been for the people of Sag Harbor... I`m very grateful and I thank them.

-AFP