Michael Sentenced To Eight Weeks In Jail

Michael, whose real name is Georgios Panayiotou, pleaded guilty last month to possession of marijuana and driving under the influence of drugs when he crashed his Range Rover into a Snappy Snaps photo store in London July 4.

When sentencing Michael, District Judge John Perkins told the pop star that he had taken a “dangerous and unpredictable mix” of prescription drugs and cannabis.

“It does not appear that you took proper steps to deal with what is clearly an addition to cannabis,” Perkins told Michael. “That’s a mistake which puts you and, on this occasion, the public at risk.”

Perkins also ordered Michael to pay a £1,250 ($1,930) fine, and said he could be eligible for parole after serving four weeks. The judge also banned the singer from driving for five years.

Police officers described Michael’s condition immediately after the crash as “spaced out” and that the singer could not recall what had happened. A search turned up two joints and a blood test revealed marijuana-related chemicals in his system, according to London’s Sun newspaper.

Prosecutors said Michael had admitted to smoking marijuana along with taking a prescription sedative.

For those of you keeping score at home, today’s court hearing marked the latest chapter in Michael’s toxic adventures.

In February 2006 Michael was found slumped at the wheel of his car at London’s Hyde Park Corner. Two months later he hit three parked cars while trying to pull out of a parking space, resulting in the singer admitting he is “a terrible driver.”

In October of that same year he was found slumped over the wheel of his car, blocking an intersection. He pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of drugs and was sentenced to community service.

Michael’s lawyer, Mukul Chawla, said his client felt “profound shame and horror.”

“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.”

Click here to read the Sun article.