The 'Fast Love' singer was discovered by police in a "semi-conscious state"
in his Mercedes car at around 3.20am on Sunday morning (01.10.06), and
rushed him to the Royal Free Hospital, in Hampstead, London.

The singer, 43, failed a breath test.

Police believe Michael was under the influence of both cannabis and alcohol.

A source said: "An officer saw George slumped in his seat in a
semi-conscious state. He was helped out of the car and an ambulance was
called because there were real concerns for him."

A police spokesman tells British newspaper Daily Mirror, "In the routine way a doctor was called out to him to take a blood sample, but thought he seemed ill and decided he needed to go to hospital in case he was in a more serious condition that first thought.

"There was a concern a mix of drugs and alcohol may have had a bad effect on him."

After being given the all-clear after a couple of hours in hospital, Michael returned to Colindale police station, when he was given a caution after admitting possession of cannabis.

The incident is reminiscent of a similar episode in February when the singer
was found slumped at the wheel of his car near London's Hyde Park Corner and
arrested on suspicion of possessing Class C drugs.

In April, Michael avoided police charges after his vehicle collided with three parked cars on a hill near his north London home. The singer declared he was a "terrible driver."

Michael has been released on bail until November.