Millie Elder, Paul Holmes' adopted daughter, has been sentenced to 12 months supervision for drugs charges. There was no fine or prison sentence handed down.
Elder was in tears as Holmes begged the judge to let her off and go free without conviction.
"It would be so gratefully received by all of us if the compassion of the court was such that her early admissions of possession of the drug can be taken into account," Holmes said. "If she could now begin the rest of her life without having to take forever these convictions."
Elder pleaded guilty to possession of methamphetamine or P and drug utensils and allowing her Auckland flat to be used for drugs last year. Her lawyer Chris Comesky told the judge a drug conviction would ruin her plans to visit her biological father in Greece and hinder her career.
"She is also interested in a career in the tour boat industry," Comeskey said. "All of that is based out of the United States and Canada."
But the judge said there was no evidence that that was true.
"There is no evidence before me of the direct consequences of convictions," said Judge Anne Kiernan. "Such as inability to travel to another country, effect on employment or inability to pursue a chosen career."
The judge said Elder's charges were so serious that she must be convicted on all three. She then sentenced the 19-year-old to 12 months supervision, with a condition that she attend any rehabilitation programme recommended by the court.
Both Elder and Holmes had nothing to say to media outside the court.
Elder will continue giving voluntary talks to teens to discourage them from doing what she did.
More on this story:- Mon, 31 March, 2008
- Paul Holmes' full statement at sentencing
- Extended footage of Elder and Holmes leaving court
source: newshub archive
