April 20, 2006 11:43

Pete Doherty avoids jail

The Babyshambles star is sentenced

Photo Gallery: Babyshambles
Photo: Danny North

Pete Doherty has avoided spending time in jail after admitting to seven counts of drug possession.

The Babyshambles singer was told that he would not be going to prison during his hearing at Thames Magistrates’ Court this morning (April 20).

Doherty has been sentenced to a community order with two years' supervision and an 18-month drug rehabilitation programme. He has also been banned from driving for six months.

According to Sky News, District Judge Jane McIvor explained that his road to recovery from drug addiction would be long and difficult, saying: “It is going to be a long and slow process but you are showing significant signs of compliance and effort."

However, she warned that if he were to breach the order, the singer may face time in prison.

As previously reported, Doherty pleaded guilty last month (March 23) to possessing 0.406gm of heroin, 0.776gm of crack cocaine, 0.332gm of cannabis resin and 5.94gm of cannabis at the time he was arrested in Riverside Close, Clapton, east London on December 18.

He was then accused of carrying 3.103gm of heroin, 3.664gm of crack cocaine and 2.503gm of cannabis when he was arrested in the nearby Dunlace Road on January 14.

Doherty is due to attend another hearing on May 12 after he failed to turn up in court last week (April 12) for a review of his rehabilitation.

The singer had been delayed in France following a gig.

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