3:28pm Tuesday 6th May 2008
By Gazette Reporter
Rocker Pete Doherty told today how he was left looking like a ''plum'' after his manager forgot he was to be released from prison.
The Babyshambles frontman was left wandering the streets outside Wormwood Scrubs prison after his management team ''forgot'' him.
Doherty, 29, had to jump a lift with a stranger to escape the waiting press and cheering fans while phoning his dozy manager.
He explained that he was shocked that ''everyone else seemed to know'' about his release except for his own team.
Speaking outside his home in Marlborough, Wilts., Doherty said: ''It was quite embarrassing because I was looking out for my manager and he wasn't there.
''I was just wandering around looking like a plum, to be honest. So I just jumped in a car and asked the man to drive.
''Then I had my manager on the phone asking what the hell I was doing. I didn't have any choice though because the prison guards were telling me to move away from the prison.
''It was all quite funny really, but I can't believe he forgot me.''
Doherty was sentenced to 14 weeks at Ealing Magistrates court last month but was released after serving just 29 days.
He sensationally revealed how he remained in solitary confinement for most of his stay due to prevent inmates taking pictures of him.
He explained: ''Prison was hard. I don't really want to think to much about it now that I'm free. I was in solitary confinement for most of it.
''The guards thought it was best after one incident when I first arrived. I think people were trying to take my picture or something. I am just glad to be free now.''
After dropping into a recording studio in London, Doherty was chauffeured in a new Jaguar to his six-bedroom country home in sleepy Marlborough.
He arrived just after lunch and was greeted by his six cats including his favourite Jimmy - a black and white kitten.
Wearing his trademark pointy shoes, he added: ''It's great to get back here. I've been dreaming about this day for ages and it feels good.
''I missed the cats, my home and alcohol. I haven't had a drink for ages and it feels good to have a glass of red wine. It was the first thing I did when I got back.''
When asked if he was enjoying a tipple, he initially replied: ''No, it's just cranberry juice,'' before cheekily adding: ''What do you think? I haven't had a drink for ages''.
However, the once drug-addled singer revealed he would be swapping a big knees-up for ''a couple of drinks'' with friends to celebrate his return.
''A few of my friends are coming over through the day, which will be great,'' added an upbeat Doherty. ''But I am not having a huge party or anything.
''I am just going to have a couple of drinks and chill out with my mates. I just want to slip back into my normal life and stay out of trouble.''
Doherty revealed he is to move out of the rented red brick country home after ''causing a bit of mess'' from parties before his prison stint.
He said: ''I love this house and it's in the country, which is great, but we've ruined it a bit.
''The owners aren't happy because we caused a bit of mess with parties and stuff. I think we are going to have to move out.''
The inside of the house is littered with the remnants of a party with union jack flag chains being wrapped around the furniture and out through the letter box.
A downstairs window is smashed and kittens and cats run amok around the dilapidated stables and outhouses.
But Doherty claims that he hopes his release will bring a new lease of life adding: He added: ''The sun is shining and life is good, you know? I'm going to try to keep it together this time and work on my music.''
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