Drug charges stayed

Former high-profile journalist Peter Verschaffelt shook with emotion yesterday when a judge ordered a stay of proceedings on charges he was party to manufacturing methamphetamine and tried to pervert the course of justice.

"I'm speechless. I am struggling to hold back tears," Verschaffelt said outside the Auckland District Court moments after hearing Judge David Harvey's ruling.

In October 2006, Verschaffelt was arrested with Greg Wilesmith after police searched a motel room in Orewa.

Wilesmith was later convicted on drugs charges but Verschaffelt consistently denied he had done anything wrong, saying he was only helping Wilesmith with accommodation.