Singer Pete Doherty pleads guilty to drugs charges

Jan 11, 2006, 13:20 GMT

London - British rock singer Pete Doherty appeared in court in London Wednesday, pleading guilty to the possession of heroin and cocaine.

The 26-year-old frontman of the rock group Babyshambles was arrested by police after he was spotted driving a speeding car in London on November 30.

Doherty, who was later freed on bail, has continually been in the headlines over his drug abuse and his relationship with model Kate Moss, who is herself facing police questioning over alleged cocaine use.

Moss, who is currently in the U.S., was photographed by a British tabloid newspaper last September, allegedly snorting cocaine in a London studio where Doherty was recording.

The 31-year-old model has apologized for her actions and undergone rehabilitation in the U.S., but a number of major fashion houses have cancelled contracts with the her over the scandal.

On his arrest, Doherty was found to have three packets of heroin and one packet of cocaine in his possession. At the police station he tested positive for cocaine and opiates.

Doherty's solicitor, Eamonn Sherry, Wednesday apologized to the magistrates' court after the singer arrived at the hearing more than an hour late.

'Mr Doherty travelled in a car and he had traffic difficulties and I am told was being followed by a number of other individuals,' said Sherry.