Beverly Hills 90210 star Jason Priestley could face up to three years in prison after being charged with drink-driving offences.

The 30-year-old actor was arrested after crashing his Porsche into a telegraph pole, rubbish bins and a parked car in the Hollywood Hills on 3 December.

Canadian-born Priestley was unhurt in the accident, but his 27-year-old passenger suffered a broken arm.

Prosecutors in Los Angeles charged the actor with two criminal offences - causing injury while driving under the influence and driving with a blood-alcohol level over the legal limit.

Prison sentence

If found guilty of both charges, the star faces a state prison sentence of up to three years.

Priestley was released on $50,000 (£31,000) bail pending a 28 December court date.

The actor's publicist declined to comment on the charges.

Priestley told reporters after the accident that he had crashed after swerving to avoid a deer in the road.

When asked why his alcohol levels had been tested, he replied: "They do that to everybody, especially if you're a celebrity in this town."

Any conviction could seriously hamper his plans for a British stage debut in the New Year.

Priestley, who left his role as clean-cut Brandon Walsh in Beverley Hills 90210 last year, is due to star in top Broadway play Side Man in London's West End in February.