Dunedin District Court. PHOTO: ODT FILES A Dunedin man avoided a conviction for possessing more than 10g of meth because of the potential impact on his mystery career. Alistair Paul McPhee, 44, appeared in the Dunedin District Court this week after earlier admitting a charge of possessing methamphetamine. His bid to avoid a conviction largely hinged on the impact on his career — but nobody in the courtroom was willing to reveal what that was. Judge Peter Winter said McPhee had held “a reasonably senior and responsible” position, but lost the job after his offending. The court heard that on August 21, the defendant admitted himself to Wakari Hospital. He had with him a Berocca container with 10.35g of methamphetamine inside — worth nearly $3500. Hospital staff handed the drugs over to police who laid the charge against McPhee. Anyone who possesses more than 5g of methamphetamine can be charged with possession for supply. However, there was no evidence the drug was for anything other than McPhee’s personal use, the court heard. Counsel John Westgate stressed the defendant would have “real difficulty” getting another job in the undisclosed industry if he had a conviction for drug offending. Future employers would likely hear the word “meth” and not even give him a shot, the lawyer said. McPhee also said his health issues and potential future travel plans should be considered in the application. He had no previous convictions and had made a donation to the Salvation Army. Police did not oppose the application for a discharge without conviction. Judge Winter accepted the defendant’s health conditions — not mentioned in open court — were of the type that would lead him to resort to methamphetamine use and said he might have been a “functioning user” while working. McPhee had ‘‘very positive work skills’’ and a conviction might prevent him from realising his full potential, the judge said. ‘‘The full circumstances of the background regarding your possession ... would not necessarily be fully understood by anybody who you were seeking to obtain employment from.’’ Judge Winter granted McPhee’s application for a discharge without conviction. felicity.dear@odt.co.nz
