Pete Doherty Escapes Jail

Ex-Libertines frontman Pete Doherty has been given a four month suspended custodial sentence for possessing an offensive weapon.

Doherty was found carrying a four-inch flick knife when he was pulled over by police on June 18 as he headed home. Last month the former Libertines' star pleaded guilty to the offence, saying it wasn't a weapon but a present for a friend.

Doherty arrived outside Thames Magistrates Court an hour early and was seen playing acoustic guitar to the awaiting press and fans.

District Judge Malcolm Read told Doherty he was not suitable for a community sentence. He then said that given the circumstances, the sentence would be suspended for 12 months so that Doherty should "consider himself fortunate".