Doherty avoids jail over drug offences

LONDON - Babyshambles frontman Pete Doherty, who had an on-off relationship with supermodel Kate Moss, has escaped a jail term over seven separate drug-related charges.

The 26-year-old rocker, who had pleaded guilty to possessing heroin and cocaine at a hearing last month, was given a community service order for 12 months, requiring him to attend a drug rehabilitation centre and undergo monthly check-ups.

"You must submit to treatment with a view to ending your dependency on drugs," magistrate Ann McLaughlin told a dishevelled and pale Doherty, who was dressed in a black jacket and white shirt and wore a black crucifix.

She warned Doherty that if he broke the requirements of his community service order he could be brought back before court and sentenced to a term in prison. He is due to reappear in court on March 8 for a review of the order.

Asked if he understood and agreed with the sentence, the self-confessed drug abuser replied: "I do."

Around 40 journalists crammed into west London's Ealing Magistrates Court to hear the verdict, and a small group of fans in the public gallery burst into applause when the sentencing was over.

Doherty left the court building more than an hour later to be greeted by supporters and photographers.

During the hearing, his lawyer Sean Curran told the court that Doherty had only been found with small amounts of illegal drugs when apprehended by police on three separate occasions in recent months.

He described the singer as a "very articulate and talented man" who nevertheless had a "deep dependency on Class A drugs".

"The easy option is to pass a custodial sentence," Curran said, but added that a jail term would leave him "vulnerable and open to drug use."

"He wants to show willing. He wants to repay their (the fans') loyalty and support by coming through this the other end as a successful and talented musician."

Doherty, who shot to fame as lead singer of The Libertines, has been in the headlines after Moss was filmed apparently snorting cocaine, prompting several fashion labels to sever ties with the 32-year-old supermodel.

Moss, who left the country shortly after the revelations in the Daily Mirror in September and attended a drug rehabilitation centre in the United States, was questioned by police on her return to Britain last week.

Media reports say she will not face any criminal action although police are still investigating the men suspected of supplying her with the drug.

Newspaper reports say Doherty and Moss have split up.

- REUTERS