Jail averted for news reader
Auckland barrister, Marie Dyhrberg successful defence of TV3 newsreader Darren McDonald on charges that could have brought a long jail sentence hit the front page in this high profile case. Darren McDonald pleased guilty to a supply charge of ecstasy and a methamphetamine charge of conspiring to supply. The maximum penalties of 14 and 10 years behind bars. Defence Lawyer Marie Dyhrberg said McDonald's case showed what addiction does. He had been on his way to having it all, but spun out of control until the wake up call of an arrest. McDonald needed to continue with rehabilitation but would be singled out in prison. "Sadly, drugs are available in prison. It is not as if he can quietly hide away." The result was that Darren McDonald was sentenced to 8 months prison, but instead of serving time, Justice Marion Frater said he may apply for home detention.
No comments:
Post a Comment