George Michael Sentenced to Jail
Singer George Michael was sentenced to serve eight weeks in jail and had his licensed revoked for five years on Tuesday for driving under the influence of drugs after he drove his car into a shop in London.
District Judge John Perkins said that the former Wham! singer's marijuana addiction put him and the public at risk.
Michael entered a guilty plea last month to charges of driving under the influence and marijuana possession following his accident in July 4.
“It does not appear that you took proper steps to deal with what is clearly an addiction to cannabis,” the judge said. “That's a mistake which puts you and, on this occasion, the public at risk.”
In addition to jail time, the judge also ordered Michael to pay $1,930 during the hearing at Highbury corner Magistrate's Court.
Michael will serve four weeks in prison and the rest of the time on parole.
According to a police report of the incident, the singer looked “spaced out” when they found him sitting in the car before dawn of July 4. Michael admitted that he was smoking marijuana and taking a sedative, prosecution lawyers said.
This is the latest in a string of drug related automobile accidents that the singer was involved in. He was found slumped at the wheel of his vehicle in February 2006 and again in October 2006, and was sentenced to community service.
Michael's lawyer Mukul Chawla said that, “It is no exaggeration to describe him as a very kind, considerate and loyal man, constantly concerned for the plight of others. The prospect he could have put anyone else in danger is an appalling prospect to him.”