Babyshambles bassist Drew McConnell has described Pete Doherty as “surprisingly chipper” for someone who is spending time behind bars.

Speaking to the BBC, McConnell said that Doherty had been writing his bandmates letters from his prison cell.

"You're not allowed to make phone calls but for a man behind bars, he sounds surprisingly chipper,” the bassist said.

McConnell also said that Doherty, who was sentenced to 14 weeks in prison for failing to adhere to his probation order, was “champing at the bit” to play this summers festivals.

"Just to strap his guitar on again and be the front man in Babyshambles," he added.

Babyshambles are scheduled to make a number of festival appearances this summer, including one at the Hove Festival in Norway.

(by Jason Gregory)