08/05/2007

George Michael pleads guilty to drug driving

Pop star George Michael has pleaded guilty to driving while unfit due to drugs at Brent Magistrates' Court.

The 43-year-old singer admitted to the offence on the first day of his trial, blaming "tiredness and prescribed drugs" for the offence.

Another charge of being in charge of a vehicle while unfit through drugs was dropped by the prosecution last October.

Michael was arrested in Cricklewood, north London, last October after police were alerted to a car obstructing traffic lights.

The singer is due to launch his European tour on May 18 and is scheduled to play the first concert at the new Wembley Stadium on June 9.

Sentencing has been adjourned until May 30 in order for blood tests to be carried out.

(KMcA/SP)

Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

10 January 2007
George Michael denies charge
Singer George Michael has pleaded not guilty to a charge of being unfit to drive. Michael, 43, was arrested on October 1 last year on suspicion of being unfit to drive and possessing drugs. The charges relate to an incident where Michael's car was reported to be causing an obstruction at traffic lights in Cricklewood, north London.
25 September 2015
Further Six Arrested In No Deal Operation In Birmingham
A further six people have been arrested as part of an ongoing operation targeting suspected drug dealers in Birmingham. Police carried out a series of dawn raids on Thursday 24 September, arresting a 17-year-old man, two 19-year-olds and three men aged 21, 26 and 47.
17 October 2003
54 arrested in swoop on suspected drug dealers
Sellers of the Big Issue were among 54 people arrested by Merseyside Police today in a crackdown on drug dealing in Liverpool city centre. Operation Manton targeted suspected drug dealers and drug users and 50 men and four women were arrested following a 15-month long investigation by Merseyside Police into drug dealing on the city's streets.
23 July 2008
Drug Abuse Accounts For 'A Third Of Death', Says Report
Drug abuse accounts for a third of the deaths behind Scotland's higher mortality rate, according to a study published on bmj.com. Death rates in Scotland are higher than in England and Wales and the difference between the nations is increasing. Traditionally this has been blamed on the higher levels of deprivation in Scotland.
22 March 2011
Government Crackdown On Drink And Drug Driving
A package of measures to tackle drink and drug driving has been set out by Transport Secretary Philip Hammond. Improved testing equipment to detect drink and drug drivers will be given the green light and key changes made to streamline enforcement of both offences.