Mum jailed for selling drugs

Photo / Herald on Sunday

An emotional plea to a judge by a Ngongotaha solo mother was not enough to keep her out of jail for selling cannabis to undercover police officers.

Renee Anna Polyanszky, 30, was sentenced by Judge Chris McGuire in the Rotorua District Court to one year in prison, but won't start her sentence until February.

Polyanszky had previously pleaded guilty to selling cannabis and possessing the drug for the purpose of sale.

The court was told that on February 25, an undercover police officer went to Polyanszky's home, handed her a $20 note and said he wanted to buy the drug. She sold him a cannabis tinnie that was enough for two cannabis cigarettes. On March 1, another undercover officer went to her home with the same request.

Judge McGuire said Polyanszky agreed to sell the drug to the officer only if he came with a mutual acquaintance, saying she would "go to jail" if caught.

Her lawyer, Harry Edward, said his client denied that statement.

Mr Edward argued for his client to receive home detention.

But Judge McGuire said he doubted that would help rehabilitate Polyanszky given her two previous convictions for cultivating and possessing cannabis.

Standing in the dock, an upset Polyanszky begged for leniency.

"I've learned my lesson your honour, I give you my word, please don't send me to jail," she said.

The judge deferred the sentence after Mr Edward said an appeal would be lodged against it.

- APN