September 4, 2006 11:10

Pete Doherty avoids jail

Sentencing deferred as singer declares ‘I just want my life back’

Photo Gallery: Babyshambles
Photo: Danny North

Pete Doherty's sentencing for drugs charges has been deferred by a London court today (September 4).

The Babyshambles frontman was appearing in Thames Magistrates court after pleading guilty to several drugs charges last month.

Ahead of today’s sentencing hearing, Doherty had been bailed to The Priory rehab clinic and had only being allowed out to play a headlining set at last month’s Get Loaded In The Park in Clapham, London.

However, following his rehab progress, Judge Jane McIvor decided to defer sentencing Doherty for the charges, which related to three arrests earlier this year – on April 20, 29 and August 7 – for three months.

“It’s turning out to be a long haul,” she told Doherty. “I’m impressed with the negative results for heroin and cocaine. It’s stage I never thought you’d reach, (and) the option of re-sentencing you would be counter productive. I’m deferring sentencing for three months until December 4, but you have to continue with you rehab and continue your employment, which means cooperation with those who work with you.”

Doherty, who will now return to The Priory to continue his treatment for addiction, explained that he intends to heed the judge’s advice.

“I understand the sentencing,” he explained. “I just want my life back really.”

Though the singer had been warned during his last appearance (August 18) that custody was a “possibility”, he will instead continue to serve the community order he was given for previous drug offences earlier this year.

This order requires the singer to to clean-up.

His lawyer Sean Curran explained: "It's not a condition of the court he continues in The Priory, but it is a condition that he continues his rehab."

As previously reported, Babyshambles are believed to be close to securing a record deal with Parlophone.