Ex-cop arrested on drugs charges on wedding day

File photo / Martin Sykes

A former police officer has escaped a custodial sentence after being arrested on drugs charges on his wedding day.

Tauranga District Court was told on Friday that Anthony Brooks, 38, had to cancel the ceremony after he was denied bail and spent three days in prison, The Bay of Plenty Times reported.

Brooks had earlier pleaded guilty to cultivation of cannabis, possession of cannabis, receiving stolen property, possession of BZP, possession of methamphetamine and possession of pipes for consuming methamphetamine.

Two other drug supply charges, and a charge of blackmail, were withdrawn last month.

Sentencing him to 110 hours community work Judge Thomas Ingram told Brooks he presented "somewhat of an enigma".

He was someone who had not only held down quite a responsible job, but had previously worked as a police officer.

"You, more than anybody, knew what you were getting involved in was illegal and the consequences, and what you did reflects absolutely no credit on you."

Brooks worked as a police officer for at least eight years but was employed as a marketing manager when police searched his Papamoa, Tauranga, home earlier this year.

The raid uncovered drugs, including methamphetamine, BZP and cannabis, as well as a stolen laptop computer.

Brooks spent four days in custody, including three in Waikeria Prison, having been denied bail on his first court appearance on drug supply allegations, which were later withdrawn.

Defence counsel Ron Mansfield said Brooks and his fiancee Kyra Morrisey had suffered serious personal loss, and had to cancel their wedding day as result of his custodial remand. They also forfeited $8000 of wedding deposits and Brooks subsequently lost his employment as a marketing manager.

"You may say these effects were of his own making but nevertheless they were significant losses over and above those which were usual."

Mr Mansfield said Brooks was a first-time offender with an otherwise unblemished record and of otherwise good character, and references showed he was thought of in high regard.

Unfortunately, Brooks had given into the temptation of recreational drug use and was remorseful for that, Mr Mansfield said.

Brooks and Ms Morrisey have lodged a complaint with the Independent Police Conduct Authority, relating to their arrests and subsequent treatment.

- NZPA