George Michael charged with drug possession

LONDON — British singer George Michael was charged on Thursday with possessing cannabis and driving under the influence of drink or drugs following a car crash early last month, London police said.

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Michael, 47, who has had a series of run-ins with the law for recreational drug use, was released on bail to appear in court in Highbury (a north London neighborhood) on Aug. 24, a police statement added.

The charges relate to an incident in July when the singer's car hit a building on a road in north London.

Michael, who became famous as part of the band Wham! before launching a successful solo career, was banned from driving for two years in 2007 and sentenced to 100 hours of community service after admitting driving when unfit due to drugs. In 2008 he apologised to fans after being arrested and cautioned by police for possession of drugs and promised then to "sort himself out."

Grammy award winner Michael has sold an estimated 100 million albums as a solo artist, winning a global fan base with hits like "Careless Whisper" and "Faith."