Pop singer George Michael today admitted crashing his car into a shop in north London while under the influence of cannabis.
The 47-year-old star, whose real name is Georgios Panayiotou, also admitted possessing cannabis for his own use.
Highbury Corner magistrates' court heard a police patrol found him slumped at the wheel of his Range Rover in the early hours of July 4th. 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.
He was arrested and taken to Hampstead police station where he was found to be carrying a number of cannabis joints. 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 Wham! star, who lives in nearby Highgate, was released on bail and charged on August 12th 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 singer will be sentenced at a later date after the court considers the progress of a community order imposed in 2007.
Judge McPhee said he also wanted to know what impact a prescription sedative may have had on Michael's behaviour.
Michael spoke only to plead guilty and confirm his personal details during the 15 minute hearing. Sporting a greying goatee beard and dressed in a black suit over a black sweater, the singer took off his trademark dark glasses as he sat in the dock.
The court heard Michael faced two charges, possession of a quantity of class B drug and driving while unfit through drugs. The offences are contrary to section four of the Road Traffic Act 1988.
Michael was mobbed by more than 40 photographers and cameramen as he arrived at the court in a large black BMW with tinted windows. A team of police officers battled with media to clear a path between the star and the front door of the court.
PA