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Update: Adam Ant Committed To Mental Hospital

Adam Ant (real name: Stuart Goddard), the flamboyant pop singer who scored hits in the 1980s, has been committed to a London psychiatric hospital after being arrested for firearms offenses, police said today (Jan. 16). Ant was taken to the Royal Free Hospital by police on Monday -- just 24 hours after he was accused of pulling out a gun at the Prince of Wales pub in north London.

Under the Mental Health Act, doctors will be able to hold Ant for 28 days while they assess his condition.

Ant was charged on Saturday over the pub incident with possession of a firearm or imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, and with criminal damage and assault. He was scheduled to appear at Highbury Magistrates Court on Friday.

The Mirror newspaper reported receiving a rambling phone call from Ant from inside the hospital. "They've put me in the 'Alice in Wonderland' ward because they think I'm crazy," the tabloid quoted Ant as saying. "The whole thing's a conspiracy and they are out to get me. I'm not mad."

Ant is still planning to appear on the "Here and Now" U.K. arena tour, the second extravaganza mounted by Tony Denton Promotions featuring big stars of the 1980s. In a statement, the company said, "Adam has stated to us that he is really excited about performing on this tour. [He] is currently receiving treatment and we expect him to make a full recovery." The trek is due to begin April 18 in Cardiff, Wales.


Copyright 2002 Billboard.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. AP contributed to this report.

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