George Michael is finally banned from the road after he admits drug-driving but walks free from court - for now

 

 

By Mail Online Reporter

Last updated at 1:15 PM on 24th August 2010

 

 

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• Incident is FIFTH time singer has been investigated by police for his driving
  

Singer George Michael today admitted crashing his Range Rover into a shop while under the influence of cannabis.

 

The 47-year-old star, whose real name is Georgios Panayiotou, also admitted possessing cannabis cigarettes for his own use.

 

Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court heard a police patrol found him slumped at the wheel of his car in the early hours of July 4.

 

 

Guilty as charged: George Michael leaves Highbury Corner Magistrates Court in north London after pleading guilty to crashing his Range Rover into a shop while under the influence of cannabis

 

 

Enlarge Frenzy: Michael was ushered into the court, through a throng of waiting media

 

 

The engine of the car was still running and, when police roused him, he attempted to put it back in gear.

 

Police suspected Michael had taken drugs as he appeared 'spaced out', was sweating profusely and had dilated pupils.

The star was arrested and taken to Hampstead police station where he was found to be carrying cannabis cigarettes.

 

A blood sample was taken and chemicals linked to cannabis were found in his system. He had not been drinking alcohol.

 

Enlarge Sombre: The star is led into the court by bodyguards. He admitted today crashing his Range Rover into a shop while under the influence of cannabis

Enlarge Media attention: Michael arrives at the court, where he was handed an interim six-month driving ban

 

The crash smashed a window and damaged wooden panelling of a branch of Snappy Snaps in Hampstead, north-west London.

 

The former Wham! star, who lives in nearby Highgate, was released on bail and charged on August 12 at Camden police station.

 

District Judge Robin McPhee handed Michael an interim six-month driving ban after hearing details of the offences.

 

He said the star will be sentenced at a later date after the court considers the progress of a community order imposed in 2007.

 

Mr McPhee said he also wanted to know what impact a prescription sedative may have had on Michael's behaviour.

 

Smash: The Snappy Snaps in Hampstead after the crash last month

 

 

Fan's graffiti: The words 'Wham' and '! By George' have since been written on the panelling

 

The star spoke only to plead guilty and confirm his personal details during the 15-minute hearing.

 

Sporting a greying goatee beard and dressed in a black suit over a black sweater, the singer took off his trademark dark glasses as he sat in the dock.

 

The court heard Michael faced two charges, possession of a quantity of class B drug and driving while unfit through drugs.

 

The offences are contrary to section four of the Road Traffic Act 1988.

 

Michael was mobbed by more than 40 photographers and cameramen as he arrived at the court in a large black BMW with tinted windows.

 

A team of police officers battled with media to clear a path between the star and the front door of the court.

 

Scratched: Michael's £80,000 Range Rover outside the photography shop in north-west London

 

The singer has fought a long battle with drugs.

In May 2007, Michael admitted another charge of driving while unfit through drugs at Brent Magistrates' Court in London.

On that occasion he was arrested after police found his car obstructing traffic lights in Cricklewood, north-west London.

The latest incident is the fifth time the Careless Whisper singer has been investigated by police for his driving.

MICHAEL'S RUN-INS WITH POLICE

 

JULY 2010

Crashed Range Rover into shop in Hampstead in the early hours on his way back from the Gay Pride parade. Arrested and tested for drugs. CHARGED

 

AUGUST 2009

Arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of drink or drugs after crashing into the back of a lorry on the A34 in Berkshire. Breathalysed and held for almost five hours. NO ACTION

 

SEPTEMBER 2008

Held for possession of Class A and Class C drug after being caught by police in a public toilet on Hampstead Heath, a notorious meeting place for gay men.

CAUTIONED

 

OCTOBER 2006

Found slumped at the wheel of his Mercedes in north London. Pleaded guilty to driving while unfit. Banned for two years and handed 100 hours' community service. Also cautioned for possession of cannabis.

PLEADED GUILTY

 

APRIL 2006

Allegedly crashed his Mercedes into three parked cars near his north London home. Interviewed under caution but not charged. NO ACTION

 

FEBRUARY 2006

Arrested for possession of a Class C drug after being found asleep at the wheel at Hyde Park Corner. Later said it was 'my own stupid fault as usual'.

CAUTIONED

 

1998

Arrested by U.S. police for 'engaging in a lewd act' in a public toilet in California.

FINE, COMMUNITY SERVICE

 

 

Last year, the star - who lives with partner Kenny Goss - was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence when he hit a lorry on the A34 in Berkshire.

He had just completed a two-year driving ban at the time after being caught slumped at the wheel of his Mercedes in October 2006.

 

He was subsequently released without charge.

Michael has been open about his use of cannabis in the past, saying that he was 'constantly trying to smoke less'.

In a TV documentary in 2006, he sparked controversy by allowing himself to be filmed smoking the drug and claiming it was 'very good for creative people'.

He said it made him 'sane and happy' and described it as 'great'.

Last year, the star told the Guardian he had cut down from 25 joints a day to 'seven or eight'.

Elton John's partner David Furnish has told the BBC Michael's friends have asked John for help because they have been so worried about his wellbeing.

Michael appeared on X Factor with eventual winner Joe McElderry shortly before Christmas and released a new track, December Song.

He toured for the first time in 15 years from 2006 to 2008. This spring, he performed in Australia for the first time since 1988.

Michael, who was born in north London, first shot to fame in the 1980s as part of the pop duo Wham! beside his school friend Andrew Ridgeley.

They split after several years and he went on to sell more than 100million records as a solo artist, including seven British Number Ones.

 

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1305684/George-Michael-pleads-guilty-drug-charges-following-SEVENTH-car-incident.html#ixzz0xWj9PZvR

:laugh3: "Wham" Aww, I`ll give Georgie a ride any day.

:laugh3: "Wham" Aww, I`ll give Georgie a ride any day.

 

You aren't his "type"!:lol:

Last year, the star told the Guardian he had cut down from 25 joints a day to 'seven or eight'.

WTF. :blank:

WTF. :blank:

 

:lol:

 

I don't think he's cut down on the bondage gear, though.:P

Nice of them to bring a photo of Lady Diana for support!

:laugh3: again.

So maybe it's time for him to re-release "CAR-less Whisper"!:rolleyes:

It's funny how the shop came off loads worse than the car.

It's funny how the shop came off loads worse than the car.

 

Yes - what a bizarre development.................... :P

He will need Patience when waiting for a bus

He will need Patience when waiting for a bus

 

Because he'll be spending a lot more time "outside"?:rolleyes:

Yes - what a bizarre development.................... :P

 

Not so much really,that shop looks like its made of pretty weak brickwork and boards and whatever, and it's hardly like he was driving a Smart Car:laugh3: