It's transpired that George Michael is to face an extra charge at his trial in April. At that previously reported pre-trial hearing at Brent Magistrates Court yesterday, prosecutors added the charge of being in charge of a vehicle while unfit due to drugs - which sounds to me not that different from the existing charge of being unfit to drive due to drugs, but I'm not a lawyer and don't understand these legal nuances.
All of the charges relate to that much reported incident that took place in Cricklewood in October, when fellow motorists called the police because Michael's Mercedes was holding up traffic at a set of lights.
As expected, the singer was not present at yesterday's hearing presided over by judge Katherine Marshall, and defence lawyer Keima Payton spoke on his behalf. Michael's trial was of course, due to commence on 23 Apr, but now a two day preliminary hearing will be held on those dates instead, where legal arguments will continue. Again, the former Wham! star will not be present, but witnesses will appear. A new date for the trial is yet to be set, but it's expected to take place in May or June and to last for at least one day.