More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
Libertines rocker Pete Doherty has been banned from driving after riding an electric scooter in the middle of the night while searching for one of his dogs.
The Margate musician, who was already on a driving ban after totting up more than 12 points on his licence last year, says he had no idea he wasn't able to ride the e-scooter while disqualified when he ventured out at 1.40am on October 3.
It emerged during a hearing at Margate Magistrates Court today that previous to the offence he had been told by police officers - who had stopped him in Broadstairs for selfies - that he was fine to ride it as long as he stayed on the pavement.
He was then stopped again by police attending a 999 call when they saw him riding on the path with his two dogs in the middle of the night, when he was heading home after finding his missing pooch.
Officers asked him to show an insurance certificate, which he was unable to provide but he was sent on his way.
Paul Shingleton, representing Doherty, said it wasn't until several months later his client received a court summons on charges of driving while disqualified and without insurance.
"It was not very clear to all and sundry what the rules were," said Mr Shingleton.
"His dog had escaped and he went to find him and he was on his way back home when he was stopped by police.
"It wasn't a case of someone (who is disqualified) driving a car in defiance.
"The case has an oddness about it with some unusual factors."
Doherty, 40, pleaded guilty to both charges in addition to another of driving a car without insurance in August, before his initial ban.
He received a £2,000 fine for each offence, totalling £6,000, and given six points on his licence, taking him over the 12 point limit meaning a two year disqualification from driving.
On sentencing, the magistrate said the two stops by police had "misled" Doherty into thinking it was OK to drive the scooter.
"It was a poor exchange - a couple of selfies for some bad information," he said.
For information on how we can report on court proceedings, click here.
