HOWZAT

Mr Curran replied: "The general consensus is that improvement has been made and the agencies want his treatment to continue."

He added: "When dealing with the addiction of Mr Doherty and the lifestyle and profession he has, it is more difficult than with someone whose life is not drawn out in front of the media to tackle this addiction problem."

Judge Lachhar said: "But he has a lot of days off - what about the people who work five days a week?"

Mr Curran told the court a long term addiction like Doherty's takes a long time to overcome.

He added: "I have acted for Mr Doherty for many years and before forthcoming court appearances I would submit his position does deteriorate slightly.

"He is panic stricken at the thought of custody. He has been on remand before and he does not present himself in a favourable light at court hearings."

But the judge cut him short, saying: "Whatever the history is, the reality is that the community order has very little effect. By virtue of these offences he is in breach of that community order."

The court was told Doherty had an appointment at a drug rehabilitation clinic in Harrogate for July 16 with the option of entering its five day programme and that he was willing to do this.

The judge decided to defer sentence to August 7 on condition that the singer did go into detox and did not commit any more offences but left him in no doubt he would face prison if he did not comply.

She said: "If you go to this place to have detox and take advantage of it then we will see what sentence is appropriate when you next come, but if you do not I can tell you now that you will go into custody."

When Doherty left court he was asked if he would honour the conditions set by the judge and said: "I have got no choice have I?"

The singer added: "She said all options are considered and that if I do not attend detox I will go to jail. It's rehab or jail.

"I was going to rehab anyway to be honest with you but this is a little push."

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