George Michael Sentenced to Two Months in Jail

By PopEater / Wire Services Posted Sep 14th 2010 11:40AM

George Michael was sentenced to eight weeks in jail Tuesday for driving while under the influence of drugs in an incident in which he crashed his car into a photo shop.

A judge told the wayward star his addiction to marijuana put him and the public at risk.

The singer pleaded guilty last month to driving under the influence and possession of cannabis following a July 4 collision between his Range Rover and a Snappy Snaps photo store in north London.

District Judge John Perkins told the singer he had taken a "dangerous and unpredictable mix" of prescription drugs and marijuana.

"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."

Perkins sentenced Michael to the prison time and a 1,250 pound ($1,930) fine during a hearing at Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court.

The judge said Michael would have to serve four weeks of the sentence in prison and the rest on parole. He also banned Michael from driving for five years.

Michael arrived at court in a chauffeur-driven car, surrounded by four security guards and greeted by a large crowd of fans and photographers. He left in the company of court guards who led him from the courtroom toward the cells, as one person in the public gallery sobbed.

According to police, Michael appeared "spaced out" when they found him sitting in the car, whose engine was still running, in the wee hours of July 4.

Prosecutors said Michael acknowledged smoking marijuana and taking a prescription sedative.

It was the latest in a string of automotive and drug-related mishaps for the 47-year-old star, who has often spoken of his fondness for marijuana.

In February 2006, he was found slumped at the wheel of his car at London's busy Hyde Park Corner. That April, he hit three parked cars while trying to maneuver out of a parking space, and admitted being "a terrible driver."

In October 2006, he was found slumped over the wheel of his car, which was blocking an intersection. He pleaded guilty to driving while unfit through drugs and was sentenced to community service.

Michael's lawyer, Mukul Chawla, said the singer felt "profound shame and horror" at his actions.

"It is no exaggeration to describe him as a very kind, considerate and loyal man, constantly concerned for the plight of others," Chawla said.

"The prospect he could have put anyone else in danger is an appalling prospect to him."

The judge said he was sending Michael to jail "with regret," and had taken into account his guilty plea and the fact that after the crash he had checked into a clinic to seek help for anxiety, depression and insomnia.

But he said Michael's previous conviction made a prison sentence inevitable.

Michael sighed as sentence was passed. His long-term partner Kenny Goss at one point buried his head in his hands.

Michael gained mega-stardom in his early 20s as half of Wham! and went on to a successful solo career. His first solo album, 1987's "Faith," has sold 20 million copies.

In 1998 he was arrested for lewd conduct in a public toilet in Los Angeles after being spotted by an undercover police officer. Michael went on to release a single and video, "Outside," that poked fun at his arrest.

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Tags: george michael

Comments

(24)

Tuesday 14 September

By Mike

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This is exactly what he needs and should have been put away long ago. Hope he gets his life back together.

By pugz

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don't drop the soap!

By Judith

Jennifer, he got sentenced like that because England takes these things seriously regardless of someone's being famous or not. Too bad that our country lets celeb's pretty much do what they want. Perhaps this will truly help him.

By bernadette

Good!

By Tooth Fairy

This is what all those celebrity brats need.

By George Michael's Fan BUT IN DOUBT

Michael's, you should be ashamed of yourself. So many chances the law has given you from trunk driving to questionable behavior at public restrooms.

You either get your act together OR your public/fans will tire of your charades. Clean up your act NOW.

By Jamie

Questionable behaviour in the men's room? LOL He was either weenie wagging or giving some guy a BJ.

By Zippertheslipper

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He used to be a dandy looking cutie pie when in WHAM, what the freak happened to him?

By texthereok

He got older as the years went by. lol WTF

By sbj

is anyone else not recognizing the GLARING misconception that George Michaels is hooked on pot??? SERIOUSLY, has this judge LOST his MIND? GM was on a prescription sedative, hhhmmmm, could that have anything to do with his actions that day? i don't care how much pot you smoke, things like running into a building just don't happen. He may enjoy geting stoned to the bone, but someone might consider if the boy's not hooked on pills.....DUH!

By twann9852

It's like a two month vacation to Thailand for George.

By Joe T.

I'll say one thing, Saw him in Tampa 2 years ago and He puts on one helluva show... Cheers George

By nic

He will love it !!! It will be like a lobster all you can eat for him

By Teri

George, George, what is it going to take, to get you to get help? You are such a beautiful man and so so talented.
I hope you can turn your life around soon, before its too late.
I have enjoyed your talent since 1984 and want to hear more of your songs in the future.

By tampajohn5

He is only focused on DRUGS DRUGS DRUGS and himself. Good riddence - but of course the media will mark the calendar for his release date and waste our time.

By yohan

Bullllchit. It was the prescription meds

By dcb523stl

No matter what he wasdoing that caused the latest incident, he needs help, fast! He's a very talented musician and I think he's aged very well.

By SiastaEg

Haha...like showering with other men is a punishment for him. This is probably paradise for him! Don't bend over if Georgy is near ;)

By Sandra

Have been a HUGE fan of George Michael since the 80's. I still believe he is one of the greatest talents EVER. I seriously hope he gets his act together...It seems like ever since he came "OUT" he was never the same. I hope he can find peace in his life and his family, friends and especially GOD get him through this horrific behavior...You are better than this, George!

By pjsmho1300

ok lets blame the pot once again. It was the prescrition drugs that did the harm

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