Michael welcomes judge's 'acceptance'

George Michael has welcomed a judge's apparent acceptance that cannabis did not cause him to fall asleep behind the wheel.

The singer's lawyer maintained at a court hearing on Wednesday that it was a combination of natural tiredness and prescription drugs that caused the incident in October.

Following the hearing Michael, who has previously defended his use of marijuana, released a statement saying he was pleased the drug was not implicated.

He began: "I have accepted throughout this affair that I was not in a fit state to have been driving a motor vehicle in the early hours of October 10 2006.

"I am delighted that at today’s hearing the court accepted that the proper approach to my case is that which I have always maintained, in that I was unfit through a combination of tiredness and prescribed drugs, and that I will be sentenced on this basis.

"I would like to conclude by saying I am really looking forward to playing Wembley Stadium on June 9 and 10 and all my other shows before and thereafter."

The singer, who has pleaded guilty to one charge of driving whilst unfit through drink or drugs, will be sentenced by Brent magistrates on June 8.