Doherty arrested in drugs probe

Rock star Pete Doherty was arrested today on suspicion of fresh drugs offences.

The 27-year-old Babyshambles frontman was held on suspicion of possessing class A drugs with intent to supply after police stopped a car in east London.

He is in custody at a nearby police station along with the 21-year-old driver of the car, who was also arrested.

The arrest at 2.10pm today came just three hours after he was spared jail by magistrates for drugs charges.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said: “A 27-year-old man and a 21-year-old man were arrested after a vehicle was stopped in Roman Road, E2, by plain clothed officers who were carrying out a patrol in an unmarked police car.

“They were arrested on suspicion of possessing what was believed to be class A drugs with the intent to supply.”

Doherty had earlier looked relieved as he was told he would not be going to prison after admitting seven counts of possessing controlled drugs at a court appearance.

District Judge Jane McIvor instead sentenced him to a community order with two years’ supervision and 18 months drug rehabilitation at Thames Magistrates’ Court in east London. He was also banned from driving for six months.

She said the singer, already under a community order for previous drugs offences, was showing “significant signs of compliance and effort” in tackling his addiction.