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May 4, 2006updated 22 Nov 2022 7:10pm

Trusting Doherty talks to his local

By Press Gazette

Disgraced rock star Pete Doherty has talked of how he distrusts the national press in an interview with the East London Advertiser.

The 27-year-old Babyshambles frontman, who used to deliver the Advertiser as a boy, has refused to talk to the national press since he appeared in court in the latest of his alleged drug-related crimes.

Reporter Jessica Smith landed the interview with Doherty after appearing at Thames Magistrates’ Court amid a media frenzy.

Smith told the singer she was slightly nervous about interviewing him, after hearing he’d punched a Radio One reporter in the arm, but Doherty told her: "I’d never hit an Advertiser reporter.

I like the paper, I read it all the time."

Smith expected a two-minute interview, but ended up spending the whole day with Doherty and the band as they worked on their album. She said: "He told me he is not really giving interviews at the moment. He thinks the nationals only care about the drugs."

Doherty spoke of his problems with drugs and his relationship with supermodel Kate Moss. He has permanently lived in East London since dropping out of university to pursue musical fame.

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Editor Malcolm Starbrook said: "Jess got a good interview and showed that local newspapers really do have a stronger link with their community than our bigger national rivals."

Doherty agreed to do an interview with another regional paper, the Plymouth Herald, after reporter Tristan Nichols sent him a bottle of Plymouth Gin with a note promising not to stitch him up.

The Herald has previously landed exclusive interviews with Little Britain’s Matt Lucas and singer Jack Johnson, by sending tailored gifts and messages.

Doherty has been released on bail after his arrest in East London on Sunday on suspicion of administering noxious substances. It followed pictures of Doherty and a fan in The Sun.

Email pged@pressgazette.co.uk to point out mistakes, provide story tips or send in a letter for publication on our "Letters Page" blog

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