STEVE DOWNES Singing superstar George Michael is in the clear for next week's eagerly-anticipated sell-out gig at Norwich's Carrow Road after avoiding a jail sentence today for driving while unfit.

STEVE DOWNES

Singing superstar George Michael is in the clear for next week's eagerly-anticipated sell-out gig at Norwich's Carrow Road after avoiding a jail sentence today for driving while unfit.

There were fears that the former Wham front-man would be jailed after being found slumped at the wheel of his Mercedes car at a road junction in north London in the early hours of October 1 last year.

But magistrates at Brent in London ordered him to do 100 hours' community service over the next 12 months, and banned him from driving for two years.

Michael will now be free to continue his live tour - which includes the first pop concert at the new Wembley Stadium this weekend and the gig at Carrow Road on Tuesday.

The 43-year-old previously admitted the offence, claiming he was guilty due to tiredness and the effects of prescribed drugs.

Michael, who was wearing a charcoal grey suit and black T-shirt, told sentencing Judge Katherine Marshall he was “ashamed” of the danger he had put other people in by his actions.

The 25-Live tour celebrates the singer's 25 years in the music industry, which has seen record sales of more than 80 million worldwide, including six US number one singles and 11 British number one singles.