THE LIBERTINES - LIBERTINES STAR FACES SECOND JAIL TERM

LATEST: Estranged THE LIBERTINES guitarist PETE DOHERTY faces a second spell in prison after changing his plea to guilty after being charged with possessing an offensive weapon.

The TIME FOR HEROES singer - who has been battling drug addiction since the band shot to fame - appeared in London's Thames Magistrates Court earlier today (17AUG04) after failing to attend a hearing last week (ends13AUG04) due to illness.

According to his lawyer, FRANK BRAZELL, Doherty decided to change his plea to guilty in order to bring the wrangle to a swift conclusion.

The charge relates to an incident in North London in June (04), when Doherty was stopped by police while driving. They searched him and discovered a flick knife in his pocket, which he claimed had been purchased legally whilst on holiday 12 hours earlier.

Brazell went on to tell the court that Doherty was a "peaceful man" with no history of violence. However, magistrates have not ruled out a custodial sentence. A report will be filed on 1 September (04) in relation to the case.

Doherty, 25, previously served two months in prison earlier this year (04) after being found guilty of burgling bandmate CARL BARAT's flat. He has since be temporarily thrown out of the band.