Michael blasted by judge

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.

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 on Wednesday, 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 June 9 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 April 23, but a two-day preliminary hearing has been scheduled in its place, with a new trial date yet to be confirmed.