Doherty Walks On Technicality

Pete Doherty avoided prosecution for a breach of his bail conditions when U.K. police failed to produce him before a judge within 24 hours of his arrest.

One of his bail conditions was that he had to remain at a Somerset address until September 4th and he was arrested for breaching this condition early August 20th, according to NME, after appearing at the second day of the V Festival Stafford leg with his band Babyshambles. Police reportedly suspected he was also in possession of drugs.

Police are conducting an internal investigation into why they couldn’t get him to court in time, according to The Times.

The Metropolitan Police said, "Senior officers from Tower Hamlets are currently reviewing processes to establish why Mr. Doherty was unable to be brought before the court within the 24-hour time frame.

"It would be inappropriate to go into any further detail until the MPS is absolutely clear about the exact sequence of events."

The brief August 22nd hearing ended when prosecutor Anjulika Vatish withdrew the charge on the grounds that the court no longer had the jurisdiction to deal with the matter.

Reporters waiting outside the court building were told that Doherty had already been released.

Less than two weeks ago, a judge told Doherty he must kick his drug habit or go to jail.

He admitted to driving illegally while in possession of crack, heroin, ketamine and cannabis in London’s Kensington High Street. He’s expected to be sentenced for offenses at a later date.