George Michael faces drugs charges

Singer George Michael was charged when he reported to a police station in Camden (Getty Images)

Singer George Michael was today charged with driving under the influence of drugs after he smashed his car into a high street shop.

Michael, 47, whose real name is Georgios Panayiotou, also faces charges of possession of cannabis, Scotland Yard said.

He was arrested in July this year after he crashed his Range Rover into a branch of Snappy Snaps, the photographic shop, in Hampstead, north London.

Michael was not breathalysed at the scene as he insisted to officers he had not been drinking, it was reported at the time. He is thought to have been tested for drugs at a police station later.

The Wham! star, from nearby Highgate, who has a history of drug use, was on police bail following the crash.

He was charged when he reported to a police station in Camden, north London, today.

In a statement Scotland Yard said: "He was released on police bail to appear at Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court on August 24."

A short time after the crash in the early hours of Sunday July 4 a spokesman for Snappy Snaps confirmed the damage to the shop.

Windows were shattered and the shop's yellow wooden panels were cracked.

A spokeswoman for Michael said there was no comment available.