Court praises Doherty over drugs order
Rock star Pete Doherty is “more than co-operating” in his struggle to beat his addiction to drugs, a judge said today.
Appearing at Thames Magistrates’ Court for a review of a drug treatment order, Doherty said: “I’m quite keen to show a negative test as soon as possible really.”
Although he arrived 30 minutes late, District Judge Jane McIvor told Doherty: “There’s no obligation for you to turn up to the reviews. The fact you’ve turned up shows co-operation – more than co-operation – and there is no risk of you breaching this order.”
The Babyshambles frontman arrived at the court in east London, where more than 30 journalists and photographers awaited him, wearing a black suit, white shirt and his black fedora hat, smoking a cigarette.
Speaking coherently in court, where he was representing himself, he told the judge: “The people I’m closest to have had enough. They’ve said it’s drugs or them.”
He also said: “A lot has changed in the past week.”
The judge sympathised with him, saying: “It’s a hard road, isn’t it? It’s not easy.
“All we can do is provide the network. You have to do all the hard work.”
Doherty praised his doctor but admitted he had not seen her recent review.
“I think you ought to,” said the judge. “She refers to your journey out of addiction.”
The singer said he is recording his new album next week.
When the judge first suggested a date for the next review, he joked: “I’m getting my nails done.”
His next review in court is now scheduled for October 17.
On his way out of court, Doherty posed and signed autographs for fans while eating a sausage roll.
He was picked up in a black BMW. As he got into the car, he picked up a guitar from the back seat and strummed a few notes to the press before he was driven away.
