O'Neals face formal drug charges

Hollywood actor Ryan O'Neal and his son, Redmond, have been formally charged with possession of methamphetamine in California.

The 67-year-old actor and his son, 23, were arrested together last month following a police search of their Malibu home.

Redmond was also charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and illegal possession of pepper spray.

Both men are due to appear in court in Los Angeles on 13 November.

Police conducted the search under the terms of Redmond O'Neal's probation for an earlier drug possession case.

The 23-year-old pleaded guilty in June to possessing heroin and methamphetamine and driving under the influence, and was placed on three years' probation.

In a court appearance earlier this month, he admitted to a relapse and was ordered to undergo two weeks of treatment.

Prison time

The latest drugs charges carry a possible maximum sentence of three years in prison, but neither man is likely to serve any time behind bars if convicted.

As the elder O'Neal has no previous record, he would likely be placed in a drug rehabilitation programme, a spokeswoman for the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office said.

Redmond would likely see his court-ordered rehab extended.

Ryan O'Neal is best known for the 1970 film Love Story, for which he was nominated for an Oscar.

Redmond is his son from a relationship with actress Farrah Fawcett.