Cape Town, Mar. 24 : Habitual cricketing "bad boy" Herschelle Gibbs has been asked to perform a form of community service after being charged with driving under the influence of alcohol last year.

He was pulled over in Sea Point in the early hours of March 28 last year.

Gibbs is not entirely off the hook, as evidenced by a statement issued by his lawyer, Peter Whelan, after the court appearance.

The statement said: "We would like to inform you of the constructive steps Herschelle will be taking personally in response to this matter. These include his ongoing efforts to embrace the recommendations made by Harmony Addictions Clinic, where he voluntarily, and at his own expense, attended a four-week programme over the Christmas period."

Gibbs entered rehab not long after being banished from the national team camp in Johannesburg following a lengthy drinking session in the team hotel in the lead-up to a Pro20 international match against Bangladesh at the Wanderers.

The statement added: "Further, he has agreed to commit, for an agreed number of hours over the next three years, to a meaningful period of service to Sporting Chance.

"Sporting Chance was launched by former cricketer Brad Bing to help get youths in South Africa, from all sectors of our society, involved in healthy physical activity.

Gibbs' manager, Donne Commins, told Sport24 they were keen to emphasise that the cricket star was not getting special treatment.

It is understood that Gibbs's contribution to Sporting Chance will be formally monitored, and that his chief employers, Cricket South Africa, and the authorities in the light of his catalogue of troubles will also closely peruse his general behaviour over many years. (ANI)