Driver in Brosnan Accident Sentenced

February 27 -- The driver who seriously injured the son of actor Pierce Brosnan in a car crash in Malibu, Calif., last April began serving a six-month jail term Monday in connection with the accident.

James Hall, 20, pleaded no contest on Jan. 30 to one count of drunken driving causing injury, Deputy District Attorney Martin Herscovitz told Reuters.

Hall, a native of England who had been living in Malibu, surrendered to authorities Monday and began serving a six-month jail term, the official added.

Brosnan's son, Sean Brosnan, 16, suffered serious abdominal injuries when the Chevrolet Blazer he was riding in, which Hall was driving, plunged about 200 feet down a steep cliff near Malibu on April 22.

The younger Brosnan was the most seriously injured of the four passengers. His family, along with another person in the car, waived their right to restitution from Hall, Herscovitz said. A hearing will be held next month to determine whether Hall will be required to compensate a third passenger.

At the time of the accident, Hall told authorities he was traveling 30 miles per hour and swerved to avoid a rock, causing the Blazer to plunge over the side.

Pierce Brosnan, best known as the current James Bond, thanked Los Angeles rescue workers for "taking my son and his friends from the jaws of death." The Irish-born actor postponed his wedding to companion Keely Shaye Smith until his son had made a full recovery.

Reuters contributed to this story.