George Michael was today charged with possession of cannabis and driving while under the influence of drink or drugs.The singer, 47, who has a history of drug use, is to face trial after ploughing his £80,000 Range Rover into a Snappy Snaps photography shop.
He smashed into the Hampstead store in north London in the early hours of the morning last month, on his way home from the Gay Pride parade.
The incident was the seventh time the Careless Whisper singer has been investigated by police for his driving.
He was charged this morning after going to a police station in Camden, north London, and will appear before Highbury magistrates on August 24.
He was charged this morning after going to a police station in Camden, north London, and will appear before Highbury magistrates on August 24.
CCTV had caught the former Wham! star mounting the kerb in his 4x4 and hitting the shop, leaving glass in the door cracked and the wooden hoarding buckled.
A shocked Michael had climbed out of his car and waited for police. He insisted he had not been drinking and was not breathalysed but he was later tested for drugs.
Last year, the star - who lives in Highgate with partner Kenny Goss - was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence when he hit a lorry on the A34 in Berkshire.
He had just completed a two-year driving ban at the time after being caught slumped at the wheel of his Mercedes in October 2006. He was subsequently released without charge.
Michael, whose real name is Georgios Panayiotou, has been open about his use of cannabis in the past, saying that he was 'constantly trying to smoke less'.
He said it made him 'sane and happy' and described it as 'great'.In a TV documentary in 2006, he sparked controversy by allowing himself to be filmed smoking the drug and claiming it was 'very good for creative people'.
Last year, the star told the Guardian he had cut down from 25 joints a day to 'seven or eight'.
Elton John's partner David Furnish has told the BBC Michael's friends have asked John for help because they have been so worried about his wellbeing.
Michael appeared on X Factor with eventual winner Joe McElderry shortly before Christmas and released a new track, December Song.
He toured for the first time in 15 years from 2006 to 2008. This spring, he performed in Australia for the first time since 1988.
Michael, who was born in North London, first shot to fame in the 80s as part of the pop duo Wham! beside his school friend Andrew Ridgeley.
They split after several years and he went on to sell more than 100million records as a solo artist, including seven British Number Ones.
A spokesman for Michael declined to comment on today's charges.
- Article from Mail Online.
