Doherty behind bars

Singer Pete Doherty was behind bars today after admitting possessing heroin.

The Babyshambles frontman and ex-boyfriend of Kate Moss pleaded guilty to the offence at Thames magistrates court and was remanded in custody until 8 February.

His band had been due to play at the Shepherds Bush Empire on Sunday.

Doherty, 26, was arrested by plainclothes police in Whitechapel yesterday afternoon. The court heard they found a tin-foil wrap containing a small amount of white powder in his pocket. Doherty said: "I didn't even know it was there." He then pleaded: "Please officer, don't do this. I've got a gig tonight."

At a police station, he told officers: "But it's not even drugs, it's baby powder. My band are going to kill me. I had it earlier from when I got arrested the last time."

The court heard Doherty had been released from Bethnal Green police station three hours earlier.

Doherty's barrister Sean Curran told the court he was already due to be sentenced at Ealing magistrates court on 8 February for possession of class A drugs and asked if this matter could be heard at the same time.

Mr Curran asked for bail so his client could play three concerts over the weekend.

But District Judge Stephen Dawson told the singer: "I am sorry if my order will affect your fans, but I am refusing you bail here today."

Doherty, who looked dishevelled in a dirty leather jacket, rolled his eyes heavenwards and sighed. He seemed about to say a few words but changed his mind and staggered out of the dock.

He will also appear before Thames magistrates on Monday to face a separate charge of driving while unfit through drugs.