Doherty in the dock

Pete Doherty faces the prospect of a jail sentence after he pleaded guilty today to possession of cocaine and heroin.

The Babyshambles singer and former boyfriend of model Kate Moss admitted the charges during a brief hearing at Ealing Magistrates Court.

Doherty, 26, from Hackney, was driving erratically in west London when police pulled him over shortly after midnight on 30 November, said Bryony Darbyshire, prosecuting.

The former Libertines star was also driving over the speed limit when officers stopped him, she said.

"They stopped the car to speak to the driver. He appeared to be under the influence of something. His eyes were glazed and his pupils were dilated," she said. He also appeared "nervous and fidgety".

When asked if his vehicle contained any drugs he was "frank" and showed them two small wraps in the centre compartment which contained white powder, she said.

"He (Doherty) also had in his possession a further wrap. He was frank that that was heroin. He was arrested and taken back to the police station where he was searched. Police found a further wrap which after forensic examination contained 0.234 grams of cocaine."

Despite his initial openness, Doherty refused to answer any questions when interviewed and answered only "no comment", she added. Doherty had also tested positive for Class A drugs at the police station, she said.

Doherty, wearing a cream jumper, blue jeans and a blue trenchcoat, was reprimanded by the magistrate after he turned up an hour and 10 minutes late for the hearing.

Asked for an explanation, Doherty's barrister, Eamonn Sherry, said he had travelled by car this morning after performing at a concert in Sheffield last night and had been followed by unknown people.