(Cover) - EN Showbiz - George Michael is facing jail after pleading guilty to possessing cannabis and driving while under the influence of drink or drugs.

The pop star entered his plea at Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court in London yesterday. The charges stemmed from his July 4 arrest following a car crash in the Hampstead area of the city.

The court was told police found George slumped at the wheel of his vehicle after a member of the public dialled 999 to report the incident. The 47-year-old’s Range Rover had collided with a Snappy Snaps photography shop, buckling a door frame and shattering windows.

Officers banged on the vehicle’s window to get George’s attention, and found him to be “spaced out” with no recollection of what had occurred.

"Mr Michael looked at the officers with his eyes wide open,” Prosecutor Penny Fergusson said. "The officers could see his pupils were dilated. He was dripping with sweat. He was handcuffed in the car and appeared spaced out. When asked what his name was he replied, 'George'.

"He was breathing and sweating heavily and appeared confused."

The star was in possession of two cigarettes containing cannabis and a test on his blood showed it contained chemicals linked to the narcotic.

George appeared nervous in court, and forgot his postcode when asked. He said he had smoked a “small quantity” of cannabis before the accident, but blamed his strange behaviour on an anti-anxiety drug.

District Judge Robin McPhee warned the singer - real name Georgios Panayiotou – he may be jailed when he is sentenced next month, and banned him from driving until he reappears in court on September 14. “I make it clear all options, in respect of sentencing, remain open, including powers to imprison. It is a serious matter. Your driving was extremely poor and there was an accident,” he said.

The star could be imprisoned for six months.

George was banned from driving for 24 months after he was found slumped at the wheel of his car in Cricklewood, North West London, in May 2007. He admitted he had taken illicit substances. (C) Cover Media