Michael charged with lewd conduct

George Michael is not required to attend court in person

The British-born pop singer, George Michael, who was arrested 10 days ago in a Beverly Hills park, has been charged with lewd conduct.

A trial date has been set for May 5 but the singer will not have to attend the court personally.

If found guilty he could face a six-month jail sentence and a $1,000 fine.

Two days after his arrest on April 7, Mr Michael gave a television interview in which he hinted he would plead guilty to the charges against him.

"I put myself in an extremely stupid position, I won't deny that. I won't even say it was the first time it ever happened. I can only apologise." he told CNN last week.

Mr Michael, who has tried to keep his private life secret, broke his silence because he said he wanted to let his fans know he was "OK."

He also said he was gay, adding he had not had a sexual relationship with a woman for 10 years.

His arrest made the headlines after a Beverly Hills police undercover squad arrested him in the men's public lavatory at Will Rogers Memorial Park in Los Angeles.

Police have declined to say what he was doing.