Pete DohertyPete Doherty has been given more time to spend in rehab by a judge at the Thames Magistrates Court to try to beat his addiction to heroin and crack-cocaine.

Pete was due to be sentenced for five counts of drugs possession today but Judge Jane McIvor has deferred the sentencing for three months, until 4 December, and if he remains drug-free in that time, he will avoid a custodial sentence.

Judge McIvor also noted that Pete had tested negative for heroin in two tests over the last month and had also passed a check for cocaine.

Outside court, Pete said “I obviously want my life back really,” and his solicitor Sean Curran added that Pete had simply forgotten about the drugs in his possession when arrested in August.

Pete was ordered to live in the Priory until today’s court appearance but it is unclear whether he will remain there for much longer: he told the BBC he “can’t afford” it.