Pete Doherty told: It's detox or jail

Pete Doherty has been told he will go to jail if he doesn't complete a drugs detox programme as a judge puts his sentencing on hold.

The musician appeared, two hours late, at West London Magistrates' Court where he admitted possessing Class A and Class C drugs, possessing quantities of crack cocaine, heroin, cannabis and ketamine and for two driving offences.

District Judge Davinder Lachhar put off the decision until August 7 after she was told he had been offered a place on a five-day detox programme at a clinic in Harrogate.

She told him: “If you go to this place to have detox and take advantage of it then we will see what sentence is appropriate when you next come. But if you do not I can tell you now that you will go into custody.”

Doherty, asked afterwards whether he would complete the programme, commented: “I have got no choice, have I? It’s rehab or jail. I was going to rehab anyway to be honest with you - this is just a little push.”

The judge had earlier issued a warrant for Doherty's arrest when he failed to appear on time.