The 30-year-old Babyshambles singer was let off with a £2,050 fine and a 18-month driving ban at Gloucester Crown Court after admitting careless and drink driving in the city. But moments later, officers at the court arrested him on suspicion of possessing an unnamed "controlled drug".

Hours earlier, the court heard Doherty admit to careless driving on June 11 after playing a well-received gig to 300 fans at Guildhall. After a 12.30am pursuit with police, the singer had stopped the Mercedes and swapped seats with passenger Daisy Whitbread in an apparent attempt to avoid punishment.

Prosecutor Sarah Regan said: "Mr Doherty was pulled from the door and arrested. It was noted that he was extremely unsteady on his feet, his eyes were glazed and he smelt very strongly of alcohol, causing the officer to form the view he was drunk."

Doherty admitted to drink-driving in court, having given a reading of 50mg of alcohol per 100ml of breath on the night. The songwriter, who was disqualified from driving in 2007 and had not renewed his licence, told police he had offered to drive after Ms Whitbread had not felt fit to take the wheel.

Officers found one wrap of heroin in the car, worth up to £35, and what was described as a "home-made crack pipe" on the driver's seat. A search of Doherty's country home in Durley, near Marlborough, Wiltshire, uncovered a further 15 wraps worth around £350.

The court heard the ex-Libertine had 21 previous drug offences and six previous motoring offences.
In addition to the £2,050 in fines, Doherty was told to pay £145 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.