14 DAY TRIAL // In April 2007, a “drug-crazed” Boy George picked up a male escort on the street, took him to his apartment, chained him to a wall and then started to beat him. The singer, real name George O’Dowd, was subsequently arrested, charged and sentenced in January to 15 months imprisonment, of which he served only 4, and was just released on good behavior, the Daily Mail informs.
Boy George was charged with kidnapping, aggravating assault and false imprisonment in a case that caught the attention of the entire media, both local and international, being the epitome of the tragic story of “the rise and fall of a star.” Yet, there was nothing hinting of a fall as the former pop icon stepped out of the Edmunds Hill prison in Suffolk, saluting the paparazzi and looking in better shape than he had in years perhaps.
Overweight and extremely stressed, with puffy bags under his eyes, back in January, when the judge sentenced him to a year and three months in prison, Boy George emerged as a new man, prompting many to joke that a prison stint “does a body good.” Presumably, the singer’s appearance has improved so much not only because he’s been working out while in prison, but also because he’s banished all alcohol from his daily diet, a thing he was not able to do in the past, it is being said in the media.
“George, who has fought a long battle against drink and drugs, looked much healthier following his stint behind bars. He appeared to have lost weight, his complexion was much pinker and he’s grown a beard, which is grey but tidily trimmed. Even more tellingly, the sparkle seems to have returned to his eyes. After leaving Edmunds Hill Prison in Suffolk, George O’Dowd returned to his London home, where he was joined by friends and family eager to celebrate his release. George said he was looking forward to a cup of coffee and cake, and would not be drinking alcohol.” the Mail says of the singer’s early release from prison.
Initially, Boy George was sent to a maximum security prison, but had to be moved days later because guards and even the other prisoners were giving him preferential treatment. Consequently, he was relocated to a less strict facility, where he spent the remaining of the 4 months he’s served. Although he’s free, Boy George must wear an ankle monitor for about a year from now on, see his parole officer on a regular basis and keep to a curfew.