The 'Faith' singer - who is serving a custodial sentence for driving under the influence of drugs and possession of cannabis ' was deemed a threat to his own safety within minutes of his conviction at London's Highbury Corner Magistrates Court earlier this month.

A source ' who revealed prison officers were warned by court staff to closely observe the singer ' told The Sun newspaper: 'A self-harm warning is typically added if a prisoner gives court security staff reason to fear for their state of mind.

'f Michael had told them he did not think he could cope with going to prison and showed signs of mental breakdown, then a self'harm and suicide alert would instantly be filled.'

However, George - who was locked away on a wing for vulnerable prisoners at London's tough Pentonville Prison before being moved to Highpoint Prison, an open jail in Suffolk, East England - has insisted he is not depressed.

A Prison Service spokeswoman refused to comment on the singer.

George, 47 was given an eight-week sentence for crashing his Range Rover into a shop window in July. He was found slumped behind the wheel by two police officers. Half of George's sentence will be served in custody, the other half will be spent under the supervision of the probation service.