Doherty too ill for court

Former Libertines rocker Pete Doherty failed to show up at a London court yesterday morning, because of illness.

The singer - who was forced to quit the band in June after failing to kick his addiction to drugs - was due to appear at Thames Magistrates Court to face charges of possessing an offensive weapon.

But the case had to be postponed when he failed to show.

Doherty's spokesperson says: "Unfortunately Pete was unable to turn up for court. He has a severe case of gastroenteritis. The case has been postponed for a week."