Paris Hilton: Celebrity News

The 26-year-old party girl - who is facing 45 days behind bar after being caught behind the wheel despite being banned for drinking driving - is backing an online petition set up by supporters saying she should not be jailed because she "provides beauty and excitement to our otherwise mundane lives".

But we at The Daily Telegraph Online believe the petition is an outrage and have started our own online poll to make sure she serves her time and sets the right example to her impressionable fans.

For years The Daily Telegraph has campaigned on the issue of road safety, demanding - among many positive measures - tougher sentences for offenders... particularly repeat offenders.

Far too many lives are lost and horrific injuries caused as result of reckless driving.

Recording Artists, Actors and Athletes Against Drink Driving also attacked the petition to get her off as a cheap stunt that could negatively influence young drivers who idolised the hotel heiress.

And RADD  Australia director Peter Rubinstein said the petition, which has attracted 7000 signatures, sent a dangerous message.

"The fact they are role models, everything they do is heavily put under the microscope by young people who will look at this and think, 'I'll drink drive and if I get caught I'll just try the Paris Hilton plea','' he said.

"Unfortunately, they may never get to appear in court, they could end up wrapped around a pole, or be taken out completely and that's the end of their life."

For Hilton's flunkies to appeal for her to be let off flies in the face of our stance. What kind of message would it show if the appeal worked - that IT girls can drink-drive then ignore their driving ban?

The petiton, for California Governor and former Hollywood tough guy Arnold Schwarzenegger, is endorsed by Hilton herself, who writes on her website: "My friend Joshua started this petition, please help and sihn (sic) it. i LOVE YOU ALL!!!!!"

Hilton has been sentenced to 45 days. It is hardly life, yet it would be enough to send a message not only to young and impressionable fans but, hopefully, also to Hilton herself - and maybe even inspire her to spread the word about road safety.

A fine would mean nothing to Hilton - she is rich beyond compare - and how hard, honestly, is sweeping streets a la Naomi Campbell or Boy George? Jail is the only answer.