When Pete Doherty was imprisoned for burgling his best friend and band mate Carl Barat in August 2003 it seemed the light had gone out on Britain's most exciting new band.
Released early and reconciled with Barat, The Libertines confounded the critics by rounding off 2003 with three triumphant sold-out shows at London's Forum, and kicking off 2004 with the prestigious Best UK Band gong at the NME awards.