OMEN
05-08-2007, 10:41 PM
Michael admits drug-drive charge
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/42896000/jpg/_42896657_george_getty203b.jpg
Michael was arrested last October
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 43-year-old former Wham! singer had been ordered to stand trial, but then admitted the offence when he appeared at Brent Magistrates' Court in London.
A further charge of being in a vehicle while unfit through drugs was dropped.
He was arrested in October after police dealt with a car which was obstructing traffic lights in Cricklewood, London.
The 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.
BBC
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/42896000/jpg/_42896657_george_getty203b.jpg
Michael was arrested last October
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 43-year-old former Wham! singer had been ordered to stand trial, but then admitted the offence when he appeared at Brent Magistrates' Court in London.
A further charge of being in a vehicle while unfit through drugs was dropped.
He was arrested in October after police dealt with a car which was obstructing traffic lights in Cricklewood, London.
The 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.
BBC