GEORGE MICHAEL - GEORGE MICHAEL BLASTED BY JUDGE

GEORGE MICHAEL BLASTED BY JUDGE

LATEST: British pop star GEORGE MICHAEL has been blasted by the judge presiding over his ongoing drugs trial for being "too busy" to turn up at court. The former WHAM! singer was arrested and charged with being unfit to drive after he was found slumped at the wheel of his car in London last year (06). He was also charged with possession of what was believed to be cannabis. The absent Michael was represented by his lawyer KEIMA PAYTON at the hearing at Brent Magistrates' Court in the British capital yesterday (07MAR07), where prosecutors announced the 43-year-old singer will face an additional penalty for being in charge of a vehicle while unfit through drugs. JUDGE KATHERINE MARSHALL responded sarcastically to claims Michael was unable to attend the court dates because he had just announced a European tour. She said, "He's playing Wembley on 9 June (07) isn't he? So he is in the area. "I know he's busy, but he may have to take a day off work." Michael was due to stand trial on 23 April (07), but a two-day preliminary hearing has been scheduled in its place, with a new trial date yet to be confirmed.