Pete Doherty was released on bail Friday, a day after his latest arrest for suspected drug possession.
The 27-year-old Babyshambles singer was detained in a car in east London on Thursday, hours after a judge placed him on probation on separate drug charges.
A disheveled-looking Doherty was accompanied by a lawyer as he left a police station where he had spent the night. His only comment to the knot of reporters and photographers who shadow his every appearance: “I feel like smacking you in the face, mate, stay away from me.”
Doherty was ordered to return to the station in June pending police inquiries. The 21-year-old driver of the car, who was not identified, also was freed on bail.
On Thursday, a judge placed Doherty on probation for two years and banned him from driving for six months. Police found marijuana, heroin and crack cocaine in Doherty’s car and clothing when he was arrested on Dec. 18, one of a long line of run-ins with police.
Judge Jane McIvor said Doherty — a former boyfriend of supermodel Kate Moss — was making progress on his court-ordered drug rehabilitation program.
“It’s a long, slow process, but you are showing sufficient signs of compliance and effort,” she said.
Doherty’s drug problems gained international attention after a newspaper published pictures of Moss allegedly taking cocaine at a music studio where Doherty and Babyshambles were recording.
(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)