Doherty faces charge for assault on photographer

POLICE are investigating claims troubled rock star Pete Doherty attacked a woman photographer — just 24 hours after he walked free from court on a legal technicality.

Doherty, 28, is alleged to have been involved in a scuffle with Cath Mead after posing for photographers outside a friend’s home in Crewkerne, Somerset, on Wednesday.

Ms Mead, 22, claims she was left with bruises and clumps of hair were missing after she was assaulted by Doherty. The Babyshambles singer allegedly chased the young photographer into a shop in the high street after she took a picture of his model girlfriend Irina Lazareanu.

Ms Mead made a complaint to police and wants to press charges.

An Avon and Somerset Police spokesperson said: “We did receive an allegation of common assault following an incident in Crewkerne yesterday.

“The incident is being investigated.”

Doherty was charged with breaching bail earlier this week, but the case was dropped on Tuesday after police failed to produce him before the courts within the 24-hour deadline.

The cock-up prompted a review by Metropolitan Police of their procedures.

The bail breach allegation came less than two weeks after a judge told Doherty he must kick his drugs habit or go to jail.