George Michael's plea confusion

May 9, 2007, 11:30 GMT

05/08/2007 - George Michael - George Michael Arrives At The Brent Magistrates Courthouse in London - May 8, 2007 - Brent Magistrates Courthouse - London, England © Solarpix / Photorazzi

George Michael pleaded "not guilty" to driving while unfit through drugs before changing his mind yesterday (08.05.07).

The 'Careless Whisper' singer pleaded "not guilty", and then after a huddle with his legal team, who could be heard whispering "no, guilty" the 43-year-old said "OK, guilty".

George said in court: "There are two reasons why we are here today. The first being I did something very stupid and I have been ashamed of since doing it.

"I'm not used to defending myself in a position where I am ashamed of something.

"If I had known the day after the charge was brought that the legal option of accepting a punishment without taking responsibility for something I didn't feel I was guilty of I could have saved everybody here a lot of time.

"I'm perfectly aware that I did something very wrong when I got in my car when I was unfit to drive. I am totally prepared to accept the correct punishment for that."

The singer - real name Georgios Panayiotou - was found slumped behind the wheel of his Mercedes near his home in North London last October.

An entire floor of Brent Magistrates Court was cleared for the hearing, meaning three courts were closed to the public.

Sentencing was adjourned to May 30.

(C) BANG Media International