Doherty pleads guilty to drug charges

LONDON - Babyshambles lead singer Pete Doherty, who had an on-off relationship with supermodel Kate Moss, has pleaded guilty to possessing heroin and cocaine.

The 26-year-old rocker was greeted by dozens of photographers and reporters and a small number of fans when he arrived more than an hour late at a London courtroom.

Wearing a cream-coloured sweater and dark waistcoat, the self-confessed drug abuser signed several autographs after the hearing ended.

His spokesman, Tony Linkin, confirmed that Doherty had pleaded guilty to the charges after being arrested on suspicion of possessing illegal drugs in November last year.

Doherty was released on bail and is due to reappear at Ealing Magistrates Court on February 8.

Linkin said the Babyshambles' tour would not be affected by the hearing.

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 31-year-old super model.

Images of the incident appeared in the Daily Mirror tabloid last September, since when Moss has spent time at a US drug rehabilitation centre and remained out of the U.K..

Police have urged Moss to return to Britain to answer questions related to the cocaine scandal, and expect to make arrests soon of other suspects in the case.

Media reports say Doherty and Moss have split up.

- REUTERS