Doherty escaped charges as he was late in court

Troubled British rocker Pete Doherty escaped prosecution on Tuesday because authorities failed to get him to court in time.

The 28-year-old was arrested on Monday on suspicion of possessing drugs, and charged with breaching his bail conditions. He was kept in jail overnight, but a magistrate was forced to release him without charge on Tuesday because more than 24 hours had passed since his arrest.

Prosecutor Anjulika Vatish told West London Magistrates' Court: "The court has no jurisdiction to deal with this matter anymore."

Just weeks ago Doherty was warned he had a month to prove his desire to quit drugs or he would face a jail sentence after committing a number of drug-related offences.