George: I Was Unfit to Drive

Jun 09, 11:34 AM

Current Headlines: SINGER George Michael today said he "fully accepted responsibility" after being sentenced to 100 hours community service for driving while unfit.

The star was found slumped at the wheel of his stationary Mercedes car at a road junction in north London in the early hours of October 1 last year, after witnesses called police about his erratic driving.

The 43-year-old admitted driving while unfit, saying he was guilty due to a combination of tiredness and taking prescription drugs.

He was sentenced at Brent Magistrates' Court to 100 hours community service over the next 12 months, disqualified from driving for two years and ordered to pay pounds 2,325 in costs.

But he escaped a possible jail sentence, leaving him free to perform the first concert at the new Wembley Stadium today.

Speaking to reporters outside court after the hearing, Michael said: "I've been sentenced on the basis of unfit driving through tiredness and prescription medications which I fully accept responsibility for.

"I'm glad to put this behind me and now I'm off to do the biggest show of my life."

The singer, who is playing two sell-out gigs at Wembley this weekend, earlier told District Judge Katherine Marshall he was "ashamed" of putting other people at risk through his behaviour.

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