George Michael gets eight weeks for ganja use

LONDON (AP)

A British judge has sentenced George Michael to eight weeks in jail for driving while under the influence of drugs after the singer crashed his car into a London photo shop.

The singer pleaded guilty last month to driving under the influence and possession of cannabis following a July 4 collision between his Range Rover and a Snappy Snaps store.

Michael was sentenced yesterday at Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court, which also fined him £1,250. He is likely to serve half the time before being considered for parole.

Police said Michael appeared "spaced out" when they found him sitting in the car, whose engine was still running. He acknowledged smoking marijuana and taking a prescription sedative, prosecutors said.

It was the latest in a string of automotive and drug-related mishaps for the 47-year-old star, who has often spoken of his fondness for marijuana.

In February 2006, he was found slumped at the wheel of his car at London's busy Hyde Park Corner. That April, he hit three parked cars while trying to manoeuvre out of a parking space, and admitted being "a terrible driver".