Pop star faces extra drug charge

George Michael was found in his Mercedes

Pop star George Michael will face an extra charge at his drugs trial, a court has heard.

The 43-year-old, whose real name is George Panayiotou, was arrested last October in Cricklewood, north London.

He was subsequently charged with being unfit to drive through drugs and cautioned for cannabis possession.

During a hearing at Brent Magistrates' Court on Wednesday the prosecution also added a indictment of being in charge of a vehicle while unfit through drugs.

The former Wham! star did not attend the hearing before District Judge Katherine Marshall. Defence solicitor Keima Payton spoke on his behalf.

The singer was due to face trial on 23 April but a two-day preliminary hearing will now start on that date, when legal arguments will continue. He is not expected to attend but witnesses will be called.

A new trial date has not yet been set. It is expected to last at least one day and will be arranged for May or June.

Wednesday's court hearing comes three days after it was announced that the artist will play the first concert at the new Wembley Stadium on 9 June.