NEWS

George Michael: Freedom is fantastic

11th October 2010

(Cover) - EN Showbiz - George Michael has said his time in prison was inspirational, although it feels fantastic to be out.

The 47-year-old singer was sentenced to eight weeks in jail last month after he pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis and driving under the influence of drink or drugs. He served some of his time at the tough Pentonville prison in London, where he was put in the Vulnerable Prisoners Unit for his own safety, before being moved to category C jail Highpoint Prison in Suffolk.

George was released after four weeks today, and has given a short statement outside his home in North London. He hinted he feels ready to make some changes to his life, and appeared relaxed and calm.

Its fantastic, its a beautiful day but I wont go into all of that, he replied, when asked how his time in jail went. I want to say thank you to everyone who supported me in there, its quite inspirational. Im coming out here on my own so youll realise I just want to start again. Im going to stop trying to run away from you guys.

George added he had just thought of an idea for a new song, although he refused to reveal more about the tune. Its got nothing to do with prison! he laughed.

The star explained that he decided to speak to reporters who were waiting outside his home to show he isnt afraid of showing his face in public now he is free. He added he hopes to continue with his life as normal.

Im fine, the house is empty, I just decided to... I just thought theres no one in the house, my minders have gone home, I just thought... yknow, much as Id like to play cat and mouse with you all I cant be bothered, he laughed. I want to go out.

The stars sentence stems from an incident in July, when he crashed his Range Rover into a photography store in the upmarket area of Hampstead in London. He was found in a dazed state, and later underwent a drugs test at a police station.

In addition to his jail time, George was hit with a five-year driving ban, fined 1,250 and ordered to pay 100 costs plus a 15 "victim surcharge". (C) Cover Media

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