Tuesday, 24 August 2010

Star People



Pop singer George Michael has 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.
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.
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 PcPhee said he also wanted to know what impact a prescription sedative may have had on Michael's behaviour.
The court heard Michael faced two charges, possession of a quantity of class B drug and driving while unfit through drugs.