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30/05/2007
George Michael 'drove car on drugs'
Pop singer George Michael had a cocktail of drugs in his system when he was arrested in his car in north London last year, a court has heard.
The 43-year-old singer, whose real name is George Panayitou, was arrested last October after he was found slumped behind the wheel of his Mercedes in Cricklewood in north London.
At Brent Magistrates Court in London, prosecutor Andrew Torrington said that tests had showed that the singer had a therapeutic quantity of an anti-depressant in his system, as well as GHB, an illegal dance club drug.
The prosecution also said that cannabis had been found in Michael's blood, but said that they did not maintain that this was the cause of his intoxication.
Michael's lawyer, Michael Grieve, said that prescribed sleeping drugs were the most likely cause of the singer's intoxication.
He also told the court that it was common for GHB to be present in blood without any illegal substances having been taken.
Michael, who was not present at today's hearing, has already admitted driving while unfit under the influence of drugs.
Sentencing has been adjourned until June 8, the day before Michael is due to play the first concert at the new Wembley Stadium.
(KMcA/JM)
The 43-year-old singer, whose real name is George Panayitou, was arrested last October after he was found slumped behind the wheel of his Mercedes in Cricklewood in north London.
At Brent Magistrates Court in London, prosecutor Andrew Torrington said that tests had showed that the singer had a therapeutic quantity of an anti-depressant in his system, as well as GHB, an illegal dance club drug.
The prosecution also said that cannabis had been found in Michael's blood, but said that they did not maintain that this was the cause of his intoxication.
Michael's lawyer, Michael Grieve, said that prescribed sleeping drugs were the most likely cause of the singer's intoxication.
He also told the court that it was common for GHB to be present in blood without any illegal substances having been taken.
Michael, who was not present at today's hearing, has already admitted driving while unfit under the influence of drugs.
Sentencing has been adjourned until June 8, the day before Michael is due to play the first concert at the new Wembley Stadium.
(KMcA/JM)
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