Chinese actor Zhou Jie

Chinese actor Zhou Jie has been sentenced to five days' detention for hit-and-run in a car collision. His application for a reprieve has been accepted.

Zhou was charged with hit-and-run and speeding after his Mercedes Benz R300, which wasn't carrying its license plates, collided with a taxi in Beijing's Chaoyang District at around 4 a.m. on June 2.

The cab overturned on its side and hit an electric pole. No fatalities were reported but the cab driver and two passengers sustained injuries.

Zhou allegedly called the police and emergency assistance, but he left the accident scene and couldn't be reached until 12 hours later.

On top of the detention, the actor has also been hit with a penalty of 2,200 yuan (US$322) and suspension of his driver's license.

Zhou, 39, shot to stardom after starring in the 1997 hit television series "Returning Princess Pearl".

(CRI July 29, 2009)