Singer George Michael pleads not guilty to charge

British singer George Michael performs on the first night of the British leg of his tour at the MEN Arena in Manchester, northern England in this November 17, 2006 file photo. [Reuters/Phil Noble]

LONDON  - British pop star George Michael on Wednesday denied being unfit to drive after being found slumped over the wheel of his car in London last year.

The singer was arrested and cautioned after being found in his car and in possession of cannabis.

Michael, born George Panayiotou, was not at Brent Magistrate's Court to enter his plea, with his lawyer acting on his behalf.

According to a court official, the case resumes on March 7, and a trial date has been set for April 23, when the 43-year-old former Wham! frontman will be expected to attend. He is charged with being unfit to drive.

Michael, who has sold more than 80 million records throughout his career, has had a series of brushes with the law.

In April 1998 he was arrested for engaging in a "lewd act" in a public toilet in Los Angeles, after which he ended years of speculation over his sexuality by announcing that he was gay.

The creator of hits including "Last Christmas" and "Careless Whisper" wrote a song "Outside" and based the accompanying video on the infamous public restroom incident.