George Michael took drugs cocktail before arrest, British court told

LONDON (AFP) - Singer

George Michael had a cocktail of drugs in his system including GHB, cannabis and an anti-depressant when he was arrested on a driving charge, a British court heard Wednesday.

The former Wham! frontman known for hits such as "Careless Whisper" and "Faith" was found slumped at the wheel of his Mercedes car at traffic lights in north London last October.

He admitted driving while unfit through drink or drugs at the nearby Brent Magistrates Court earlier this month and at Wednesday's hearing, his sentencing was postponed until June 8.

Prosecuting lawyer Andrew Torrington said at the hearing that tests showed a quantity of an anti-depressant in the singer's system, as well as the illegal club drug GHB.

Cannabis was also present, although prosecutors do not claim that this was the cause of Michael's intoxication.

Michael says that his condition had been caused by tiredness and taking prescribed drugs.

His lawyer, Michael Grieve, told the court that GHB could be detected in the blood without any illegal substances having been taken because its effects can be created by non-controlled drugs.

The singer, who was not in court Wednesday, issued a statement after the hearing saying that he was "delighted" at the way the case was being handled.

Earlier this month, the star said he was addicted to prescription drugs and believed the world would be a better place if more people smoked cannabis than drank alcohol.