November 8, 2006 13:00

Pete Doherty fined for assault

The singer apologises for attacking a reporter

Photo Gallery: Babyshambles
Photo: Emilie Bailey

Pete Doherty has landed a £750 fine for assaulting a reporter.

The Babyshambles singer was ordered to pay the fine at Thames Magistrates Court after kicking a microphone out of Radio 1 Newsbeat's Trudi Barber's hand outside the same court in March.

The singer had initially pleaded not guilty to the charge, but later changed his plea after seeing TV footage of the incident.

Doherty said in a statement: "If I hurt this lady I'm sorry," but he added that the reporter was a member of the "harrassing scum of press".

Summing up, magistrate Helen Skinner said: "Referring to the press as scum does no one any favours. You were obviously courting publicity judging by your somewhat extravagant behaviour outside the court.

"People in public life have a responsibility to behave and be a good role model to others."

Doherty has been ordered to pay £250 in compensation and another £200 in court costs, reports BBC News.