Millie might be spared

Millie Holmes. Photo / Herald on Sunday

Broadcaster Paul Holmes' estranged 21-year-old daughter appeared in the Auckland District Court on Wednesday facing five charges, including possession of methamphetamine, possession of a pipe and possession of cannabis.

The two other charges include obstructing police and breaching a liquor ban on Hobson St, where she was arrested on Sunday night.

Elder's lawyer, Chris Comeskey, entered no plea on her behalf, and she was remanded on bail to reappear in January.

Although Elder has appeared before the courts numerous times over the last two years on drugs charges, one legal expert believes she could continue to avoid a custodial sentence.

Gary Gotlieb, criminal defence lawyer and former president of the Auckland District Law Society, said the courts were realistic about helping those with drug-related problems receive the appropriate rehabilition.

The maximum penalty for possession of methamphetamine is two years' imprisonment. "It is more likely - because these are fresh charges - she will serve some sort of supervision if she pleads guilty," he said.

Comeskey would not comment except to say they were "minor drugs charges" and Elder would be back in court next month.

In court, he mentioned Elder had to "be on a plane at 12am" the following day, but he would not reveal her destination. "I'm not at liberty to say where she is going."

According to court charge sheets, Elder is listed as residing in a house in Massey, West Auckland, which was guarded by three large dogs. The house appeared to be empty this week.

She had previously been living at a Swanson address, the home of Headhunter gang member Chris Morris, the father of Elder's boyfriend, Connor. The fresh drugs charges round off more than two years of court appearances for Elder. Holmes has not had contact with his daughter for some time, but spoke strongly against gangs in February this year.

"As soon as all [political] parties get off their arses and, once and for all, find a way to ban the Headhunters, the Mongrel Mob, Highway 61, and all the other filthy gangs, the better."

Elder will reappear in the Auckland District Court on January 13.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY