Love sentenced to drug rehab

Courtney Love has been sentenced to 18 months in drug rehabilitation, after she was accused of trying to break into her ex-boyfriend's home while under the influence of cocaine and other opiates.

Los Angeles Superior Court judge Patricia M Schnegg gave the rocker until October 29 to enrol in a drug counselling program, which will require frequent drug testing. She will be permitted to travel, but will be barred from taking nonprescription drugs, drinking alcohol or being in places that serve

alcohol.

While lighting up a cigarette outside court yesterday, Love said, "I have to stop drinking. That's funny. I think I can do it."

The 40-year-old widow of Nirvana singer Kurt Cobain was arrested in October after she allegedly tried to break into the home of former manager and boyfriend Jim Barber.

A series of charges followed, including possessing illegal painkillers, assault, reckless endangerment and attacking someone with a liquor bottle.

Assistant City Attorney Jerry Baik says yesterday's sentence was negotiated under a plea agreement with Love's attorneys. She pleaded guilty on May 25 to a misdemeanour count of being under the influence of a controlled substance and agreed to enter a treatment program.

An additional charge of being a disorderly drunk in public was dismissed yesterday at the prosecutor's request.