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Michael admits drug-drive charge | Michael admits drug-drive charge |
(20 minutes later) | |
Pop star George Michael has pleaded guilty to a charge of driving while unfit through drugs, blaming "tiredness and prescribed drugs" for the offence. | 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. | 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. | 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. | 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. | |
Speaking directly to the judge, 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, who is due to play the first concert at London's new Wembley Stadium on 9 June as part of his European tour, was adjourned to enable blood tests to be carried out. |