Pete Doherty 'chipper' in jail

LONDON, April 24 (UPI) -- British rocker Pete Doherty is "surprisingly chipper," despite being in jail for violating his probation, Babyshambles bassist Drew McConnell said.

The Babyshambles front man received a 3 1/2-month jail sentence April 8, for failing to appear in court and allegedly using illegal substances during his probation, BBC Radio 1 reported.

McConnell said he and Doherty have stayed in contact through letters. Doherty is being held at Wormwood Scrubs prison in London.

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

Doherty reportedly has been detained away from other inmates as a safety precaution and was transported to a high security area of the jail amid worries he would attack someone last week.

"He's being very positive about the whole situation, he's champing at the bit to play festivals this summer," McConnell said.