Cameron Douglas Sentencing Statement: "I Will Never Settle for Anything Less Than What I Am Capable Of"
NEW YORK (CBS/AP) - In the days leading up to a federal judge sentencing Cameron Douglas for dealing methamphetamine, a cavalcade of celebrities including his father, Michael Douglas, and granddad, Kirk Douglas, wrote letters pleading for leniency.
However, at his Tuesday sentencing, the spotlight was on Cameron, who finally spoke out and gave one last heart-felt plea to the judge in hopes of reducing his sentence.
FULL STATEMENT
"Firstly, I would like to apologize to my family and my loved ones for putting them through this nightmare of my making -- and for my behaviors that have caused a rift between us in the past.
I would also like to apologize to the Court for my decisions and my actions that put me in front of you here today, your Honor.
But, I would like to ask you for an opportunity to be a productive family member and a good role model to my brothers and sisters during this time in their life when they're maturing from small children to young men and women so I can be there for them for whatever may occur in their lives; for advice, guidance, support, or just somebody to talk to and maybe be able to steer them in the right direction.
Nothing, your Honor, is more important to me than my family and the goals that I have set for myself and I feel adamant that I will not let myself be led astray by my warped thinking and false pretenses due to my long heroin addiction. I envelope my mind, instead, with the idea that I want to take the right path, the true path and the path that I know is well within my reach. And I know this because I was presented with some opportunities earlier in my life and at the time I didn't -- I wasn't able to see how valuable they were and how rare they were. As a result, I squandered a lot of them which was, you know, probably started, you know, where I am today; a lot of mistakes and missed opportunities, you know?
I miss, so dearly, being involved in my true passion in life which brings me true happiness and fulfillment which is being an entertainer and putting a smile on people's faces or stirring some sort of emotion inside of them; ultimately trying to inspire people in some way whether it was through dancing as a youngster or hopefully music and acting in the future.
I believe, your Honor, that things will be different this time because, number one, most importantly, I feel that I have the full support of my family and the people that are important in my life; number two, because obviously I know where this life can go and if I should be so fortunate to have another chance, I would never squander that opportunity because I know how fruitful my life can be; and thirdly, I will never settle for anything less than what I know myself to be capable of. I feel like it is my duty. And that's all I have to say."
The statement apparently worked. The judge gave Cameron Douglas 5 years in prison - half the minimum required sentence.
His statement was obtained by The New York Post.
MORE ON CRIMESIDER
April 20, 2010 - Cameron Douglas Sentenced, Judge Gives Michael Douglas' Son 5-Years in Prison
April 20, 2010 - Michael Douglas Blames Fame, Absent Parents for Son Cameron Douglas' Troubles
February 1, 2010 11:00 AM Michael Douglas Bails Out Drug-Dealing Son Cameron Douglas
January 28, 2010 - Michael Douglas' Son, Cameron Douglas, to Serve 10-Year Minimum Sentence for Drug Trafficking
August 4, 2009 - Michael Douglas' Son Busted at Posh NYC Hotel