August 7, 2007 10:53

Pete Doherty Sentenced: the verdict

Babyshambles singer discovers his fate at London court

Photo Gallery: Babyshambles
Photo: Danny North

Pete Doherty has escaped jail – for four weeks at least – after his sentencing was adjourned for a month in court this morning (August 7).

The singer was appearing at West London Magistrates Court after his initial sentencing had already been postponed for a month to allow him to enter rehab.

The singer was due to be sentenced after admitted possessing class A drugs at a hearing last month (July 3).

He was arrested after police stopped him in Kensington High Street, central London, on May 5.

Doherty also admitted to two driving charges and an additional charge of failing to appear in court without reasonable excuse after he turned up late to last month’s hearing.

Today’s hearing began with Judge Davinda Latchlar telling Doherty that a “financial penalty was totally out of the question”, before deciding to delay sentencing for a further month, as long as the singer continues his attempts to give up drugs.

Doherty will now be sentenced in four weeks time to give the court time to see if he can continue his detoxing.

However the Babyshambles man was warned after that he will get a get community order or alternatively prison as a sentence depending on his efforts.

Suggesting that the singer stay with a family during his rehab, the judge told him: “if you do not show motivation in the next four weeks you will be in prison.

"If you really want to tackle the problem you have to comply with the order."

HAVE YOUR SAY: head to NME.COM’s messageboards now to join the debate.

See the NME blog for our exclusive behind-the-scenes report from the court-room.

Also click here to read Mark Beaumont's latest blog about today’s court room drama.