Doherty fails to show for court appearance

Troubled rock star Pete Doherty failed to attend a court appearance to review his drug rehabilitation today after struggling to return from a gig hundreds of miles away.

Thames Magistrates Court in east London heard that Doherty was stuck in Paris where his Babyshambles group was playing a concert last night as part of a European tour.

Doherty, 27, was due to attend the court as part of a 12-month community order imposed when he was sentenced in February for seven counts of possessing controlled drugs.

Despite his failure to attend, the case was adjourned until May 12 when the order will again be reviewed.

At least nine uniformed police officers were on guard outside and inside the court in case Doherty’s arrival had sparked the same scuffles seen during his last appearance.

Fans, one playing a guitar in honour of the star, also waited in vain for him to arrive.

Although the review has been adjourned until May, Doherty is still due to attend the same court on April 20 after admitting separate drugs charges last month.