Barenaked Ladies Singer Has Drug Charges Reduced

The singer, 38, was arrested after police found him, his girlfriend Christine Benedicto, and their friend Stephanie Ford in an apartment in Manlius, New York, with what appeared to be cocaine.

The substance tested positive for cocaine, and Page was charged with felony possession of a controlled substance. He was released from custody after posting $10,000 (GBP5,000) bail.

But, during an appearance in Fayetteville Village Court in New York on Tuesday (28Oct08), Page was granted a lesser charge because of his lack of a prior criminal record.

And he used his court case to apologise to his friends and family for his actions.

He said, "I'm grateful ... for this opportunity to further prove myself as a productive and law-abiding member of society. I look forward to the next six months as a period of healing and growth.

"It has meant a great deal for me to be shown the impact I have on others' lives ... I am deeply moved and thankful. I also apologise to all those I have hurt and embarrassed during this episode. Respect, responsibility I have earned over the course of my life and my career thus far are important to me, and I am moving forward from this with gratitude and with hope."

Benedicto and Ford were initially charged with misdemeanour possession of a controlled substance, but the case was adjourned in contemplation of dismissal. Marijuana possession charges against the pair were also dropped.