NEW YORK, June 17 (UPI) -- A New York judge reportedly erupted in an angry tirade upon learning Boy George had not yet signed up to serve his community service sentence.
The British pop icon, whose real name is George O'Dowd, was sentenced to five days community service as part of a plea deal that dismissed felony cocaine charges against him from an October drug bust at his New York loft.
During a New York Criminal Court hearing Friday, the singer's attorney told Judge Anthony Ferrara his client had not signed up to rake leaves because "we believe it would turn into a circus."
Instead, he asked if O'Dowd could work for an AIDS charity giving makeup tips and helping the women's sewing circle.
"Do you really think that's punishment?" the New York Post quoted the angry judge asking. "Pay the fine! Pay the surcharge! Go to the community-service office and talk to them! In most of the cases where no community service has been served, my response is to offer them time in Rikers Island."
He said O'Dowd will risk prison if he has not signed up for community service and paid his $1,600 in fees and surcharges by his next court appearance, June 26.
