Judge 'optimistic-ish' over Doherty

11 April 2012
The Weekender

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A judge has told troubled east London rocker Pete Doherty she was "optimistic-ish" about his progress in beating his drug addiction.

The Babyshambles frontman, 27, attended a review of a drug treatment order before district judge Jane McIvor at Thames Magistrates' Court.

Last month he avoided jail after she said she was "impressed" with his attempts to come off drugs, and also with one of his songs.

But today the judge said weekly appointments under the order had not been "as successful as expected" but said "it's optimistic-ish".

"Are you optimistic you are going to keep going with this?" she asked Doherty who appeared in court wearing a grey shirt and dark coat and trousers.

"Yes," he replied. "I've been going to NA meetings and seeing a counsellor separate from the Priory."

Defence counsel Bruce Clark told the court there had been some progress with treatment but acknowledged it was a "mixed bag".

He added: "On the whole progress is being made.

He's giving up a lifestyle he's been living in the East End which is not the best place for him to be."

The singer's physical appearance had "certainly improved", and he was now living outside London, Mr Clark said.

The judge ordered Doherty to return for another review on January 17. He is due to be sentenced on December 4 after pleading guilty to five counts of possessing heroin, cocaine - some of it crack cocaine - and cannabis.

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