George Michael Sentenced To 8 Weeks In Jail

Singer George Michael, 47, was sentenced to eight weeks in a London jail and fined close to $2,000 today for crashing his Range Rover into a photo store while under the influence of marijuana and prescription drugs on July 4. Michael pleaded guilty to the charge of driving under the influence of marijuana last month, and checked into a clinic shortly after the crash to be treated for anxiety and depression.

District Judge John Perkins said that he was sending Michael to jail "with regret," and told the singer that he had an "addiction to cannabis . . . which puts you and, on this occasion, the public at risk," according to YahooNews.

Mukul Chawla, Michael’s lawyer, said that the singer was disturbed by his actions. "The prospect he could have put anyone else in danger is an appalling prospect to him." Chawla also described Michael as "a very kind, considerate and loyal man, constantly concerned with the plight of others."

Michael’s drug use has gotten him into trouble before. In three separate incidents in February, April and October of 2006, he was cited for drug-related driving violations. Charges were brought against him for the third incident, to which he also pleaded guilty and was sentenced to community service.

This time, Michael will serve four weeks in jail and finish the remainder of his sentence on probation. The judge also revoked his license for five years. –KIMBERLY STEELE