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Singer George Michael has pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of drugs and possessing cannabis.

The 47-year-old was handed a six-month interim driving ban and is due to return to court for sentencing on 14 September.

Michael was told by the judge that his offences were "a serious matter" and he could face imprisonment.

The pop star was arrested on 4 July in Hampstead, north-west London, after he crashed his car into a shop.

'Spaced out'

The Wham! star, from nearby Highgate, was on police bail after crashing his luxury Range Rover into a branch of photographic store Snappy Snaps.

During the hearing at Highbury Magistrates Court, Michael spoke only to confirm his details and enter the guilty plea.

The musician removed his trademark dark glasses while he stood in the dock.

The court was told that a police patrol found him slumped at the wheel of his car in the early hours of 4 July.

The engine 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 cannabis cigarettes.

A blood sample found chemicals linked to cannabis were in his system, while there were no traces of alcohol.

The court will consider the progress of a community order imposed in 2007 and the impact of a prescription sedative on Michael's behaviour before imposing a sentence.

In May 2007, Michael admitted another charge of driving while unfit through use of drugs at Brent Magistrates Court in London.

He was arrested after police found his car obstructing traffic lights in Cricklewood.

The singer's rise to fame Wham! was followed by a high profile and successful career as a solo artist.

His hits included Careless Whisper and Fast Love, while his most recent chart success was December Song, released last Christmas.