Babyshambles drummer Adam Ficek said he feels “gutted” for frontman Pete Doherty - who started a 14 week prison sentence yesterday.

Ficek admitted that Doherty would find “really difficult” in prison but added that “the band is going to stick with him as always."

At a hearing at West London Magistrates Court yesterday afternoon Doherty was sentenced to jail for breaking guidelines his probation order and using drugs.

It’s understood that the singer had failed to turn up on time to one of his mandatory probation meetings.

Speaking to the BBC, Ficek said: "As far as I see it I hope we can really look positively on this and when he comes out he can learn from the mistakes he's made and we can persevere with the path that Babyshambles was treading before."

In a statement from his record company, the singer apologised to fans for having to postpone a solo show at the Royal Albert Hall next month.

Unless Doherty’s sentence is reduced on appeal, he will also miss a scheduled performance at the Glastonbury Festival in June.

(by Jason Gregory)