Pete Doherty managed to avoid jail again yesterday by avoiding his scheduled date with Judge Davinder Lachlar at West London Magistrate's Court by checking himself into rehab yet again. The singer's lawyer claims that the ex-Libertine is "trying his best" to quit drugs, telling The Mirror: "I think he's quite serious. He's asked to go in and he's still there so he's trying". As such, the judge deterred sentencing (again) until 2 Oct, when Pete will possibly find another scheme that can get him off the hook. As previously reported, Lachlar previously postponed sentencing Doherty in relation to a drugs charge from May to give the Babyshambler the chance to demonstrate his commitment to kicking the drugs. Doherty did that by getting arrested again on a drugs charge. Presumably it is hoped the latest voluntary stint in rehab will convince Lachlar to be lenient when he finally gets round to doing the sentencing.
In other Doherty news, the long-awaited Babyshambles comeback single, 'Delivery', is to be given away on 7' vinyl free with the NME in a promotion akin to the successful White Stripes' freebie earlier this year. The band have recorded a special acoustic version of the song for the A-side, while the B-side features a new interview with the band as they talk through the process of making their second album, 'Shotter's Nation'. In addition, the sleeve will be adorned with some of that lovely 'blood artwork' Pete likes so much.
Commenting on the free blood covered single, NME chief Conor McNicholas told reporters: "Yet again NME is leading the music and publishing industries by creating big release events to excite music fans. Following on from the White Stripes 'Rag And Bone' single, this is once more something really special. Pete is very close to our hearts and we're made up to be working with Babyshambles and the guys at Parlophone in releasing this unique track. Another instant collectors' item!"