LONDON - British musician Pete Doherty, best known as a member of Babyshambles and The Libertines, was warned by a judge on Friday that he could face time in prison for repeated drug offences.

Doherty, 32, pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine at Snaresbrook Crown Court, east London, according to the Press Association.

Judge David Radford described Doherty's criminal record as "unattractive".

Addressing the singer's lawyer Peter Ratliff, he added: "When someone constantly commits the same offence the law must be made very clear. Is your client aware he could face a sentence?"

Doherty was granted unconditional bail and ordered to return to court for sentencing on May 20, a date when he is due to be touring.

The singer, wearing a dark blue two-piece suit and cravat, looked physically shaken by the court proceedings.

Doherty, who once dated supermodel Kate Moss, was arrested after police investigated the suspected overdose death of heiress Robin Whitehead, who spent the last 10 days of her life making a documentary about him.

The 27-year-old's film, "The Road To Albion," focused on Doherty's former band, The Libertines.

Doherty has said he was "shocked and saddened" following her death in January last year.