George Michael apologises for 'screwing up'

George Michael has apologised for "screwing up" after he was cautioned for drug possession.

The 'Fastlove' singer was arrested for possession of crack cocaine and cannabis after he was seen loitering around a public convenience near London's Hampstead Heath on Friday (19.09.08).

Despite escaping with a caution, George - who was famously arrested for engaging in a lewd act in a Los Angeles public toilet in 1998 – admits he has let down his fans again.

He said in a statement: "I want to apologise to my fans for screwing up again, and to promise them I'll sort myself out. And to say sorry to everybody else, just for boring them."

The music star reportedly begged police not to charge him as he was concerned a drug conviction might result in him being barred from entering the US. He is due to play an AIDS benefit concert there next month, and claimed the charity would lose £2 million if he was not able to perform.

A source said: "He was very emotional. He kept saying, 'Please, you'll ruin my career.' His sob story worked – he escaped with a caution. He was even chauffeured home."

Last year, George pleaded guilty to being unfit to drive after he was found slumped at the wheel of his car. Tests showed he had antidepressants, cannabis and the popular club drug GHB in his blood.

The 45-year-old star also said he didn't see any problem with smoking cannabis and was even filmed using the drug during an appearance on 'The South Bank Show'.

His latest caution has drawn criticism from anti-drug campaigners, who believe his punishment is too lenient.

Ex-Scotland Yard commander John O'Connor said: "He should have been prosecuted. He's clearly out of control. What does he have to do to be dealt with properly?"

Last month, George played a series of farewell concerts, where he said he was retiring from performing live as he wanted a "quieter life".

He said: "I'm an old man, I really need to sit down."