Thursday October 18, 2007

Rocker Pete Doherty was reportedly allowed to skip his court hearing yesterday – in favor of playing a Babyshambles concert in Paris, because the judge was a fan of his music.

The judge told London’s Thames Magistrates’ Court: “I understand he is in France on tour.”

The judge once allowed Doherty to play for fans instead of attending court.

At a hearing last year, when he was spared jail, she also praised Doherty’s song ‘The Blinding’.

She said: “It’s a good tune, but I’m not sure about the words.”

Yesterday’s hearing — adjourned until Wednesday — had been due to review Doherty’s progress on a drugs rehab order.

Meanwhile, Doherty has reportedly recorded a duet with singer Amy Winehouse after the pair recently recorded a new track, which sees Amy showcasing her impressive guitar playing skills as well as her singing talents.

Pete’s bandmate, guitarist Mick Whitnall, said: “It’s a ska-type track. Amy’s playing guitar on it and singing as well.

“She plays better than James Brown playing acoustic guitar. She thinks she’s shit but she’s not. I’ve never met a man who plays like that, let alone a girl.”