Doherty drug sentencing deferred

Doherty has had long-term problems with drugs
Babyshambles singer Pete Doherty has had his sentencing on several counts of possession of drugs deferred by a judge at Thames Magistrates' Court.

Doherty was told his sentence will now be decided on 4 December, to give him more time in a rehabilitation clinic.

The star pleaded guilty in August to the possession of drugs, which included heroin and crack cocaine.

He was arrested in April, just hours after receiving a community order for previous drug offences.

Sentencing options

The 27-year-old, of Haggerston in east London, is currently undergoing treatment for drug addiction at the Priory clinic in Southgate, north London.

But he told the BBC that he "can't afford" to continue staying at the clinic.

The judge, Jane McIvor, told the singer that if he remains drug-free he will be able to avoid a custodial sentence.

She also noted that he had tested negative for heroin in two tests last month and also passed a check for cocaine.

"I obviously want my life back really," Doherty said outside court.

In all, he has pleaded guilty to five charges of possessing heroin, cocaine - some of which was crack cocaine - and cannabis.

He has also admitted to one count of possession on 7 August, when he was found with a crack pipe and a small amount of crack cocaine.

His solicitor Sean Curran has said that Doherty had been clearing the substances out of his car when arrested on 20 April, and had "forgotten" about the crack pipe when arrested on 7 August.

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