Skip to main content
BBC NEWS / ENTERTAINMENT
Graphics VersionBBC Sport Home
News Front Page | Africa | Americas | Asia-Pacific | Europe | Middle East | South Asia | UK | Business | Health | Science & Environment | Technology | Entertainment | Also in the news | Have Your Say |
Entertainment Contents:  Arts & Culture

Tuesday, 8 May 2007, 13:09 GMT 14:09 UK

Michael admits drug-drive charge

Michael was arrested last October
George Michael Pop star George Michael has pleaded guilty to a charge of driving while unfit through drugs, blaming "tiredness and prescribed drugs" for the offence.

The singer, 43, had been ordered to stand trial, but admitted the offence at Brent Magistrates' Court in London.

The Crown Prosecution Service dropped a further charge of being in charge of a vehicle while unfit through drugs.

He was arrested in October after police dealt with a car which was obstructing traffic lights in Cricklewood, London.

The former Wham! singer, who wore blue jeans, a black shirt and a black jacket, sat in the wrong seat in the courtroom before District Judge Katherine Marshall told him to take his place in the dock.

"I was not in my normal physical state and I'm perfectly prepared to accept the correct punishment for that"
George Michael

Speaking directly to her, he said: "I did something very stupid and I am very ashamed since doing it.

"I'm not used to defending myself in a position where I am ashamed of something.

"I really have been very distressed by this whole thing.

"I am perfectly aware that I did something very wrong and got into my car when I was unfit to drive.

"I was not in my normal physical state and I'm perfectly prepared to accept the correct punishment for that."

Sentencing for the singer was adjourned until 30 May to enable further blood tests to be carried out, although it is not clear whether he will attend on that occasion.

He is due to play the first concert at London's new Wembley Stadium on 9 June as part of his European tour.



E-mail this to a friend
Related to this story:
Pre-gig court hearing for Michael (25 Apr 07 |  Entertainment )
Michael adds fresh Wembley date (09 Mar 07 |  Entertainment )
Pop star faces extra drug charge (07 Mar 07 |  England )
Michael to play first Wembley gig (05 Mar 07 |  Entertainment )
Drug caution for singer Michael (02 Oct 06 |  Entertainment )
The ups and downs of George Michael (02 Oct 06 |  Entertainment )

RELATED INTERNET LINKS
George Michael
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites



SEARCH BBC NEWS: 

News Front Page | Africa | Americas | Asia-Pacific | Europe | Middle East | South Asia | UK | Business | Health | Science & Environment | Technology | Entertainment | Also in the news | Have Your Say |
Entertainment Contents:  Arts & Culture

NewsWatch | Notes | Contact us | About BBC News | Profiles | History

^ Back to top | BBC Sport Home | BBC Homepage | Contact us | Help | ©