LONDON--British pop singer George Michael pleaded guilty in a London court on Tuesday to driving under the influence of cannabis when he crashed his car into a shop last month, and could face jail.

The 47-year-old "Careless Whisper" star also admitted possessing cannabis cigarettes when he appeared at Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court.

Dressed in a black suit over a black jumper, he was greeted by a scrum of photographers as he arrived for the appearance.

In court, he spoke only to give his plea and confirm his real name of Georgios Panayiotou.

District Judge Robin McPhee gave the singer an interim six-month driving ban, and said he would be sentenced on September 14 after the court considers his case. He will remain on bail until that date.

"I make it clear the options in respect of sentence remain open, including the power to imprison," the judge told him.

"It is a serious matter. Your driving was extremely poor and there was an accident. There is also a conviction from three years ago."

In the latest incident, he was arrested after his Range Rover car crashed into a photography shop in north London in the early hours of Sunday, July 4.

The court heard Tuesday how police found him slumped at the wheel with the engine still running. Officers roused him and said he appeared "spaced out".

In June 2007, Michael was given a two-year driving ban after pleading guilty to driving while unfit. On that occasion, he claimed he was tired and had been taking prescription drugs.

The singer, who first found fame in 1980s pop group Wham!, has fought a long battle with drugs.