KEY POINTS:
Former top jockey Leanne Isherwood was sentenced to 12 months' home detention when she appeared in the High Court at Palmerston North on drug charges today.
Isherwood, 35, had earlier pleaded guilty to possession of methamphetamine for supply, possession of a pipe to consume methamphetamine and possession of cannabis.
Justice Alan MacKenzie said he took into account that Isherwood was a first offender, her efforts to distance herself from the drug scene and cease use of this "most pernicious substance".
He set down special conditions for her home detention, including that she reside at a Palmerston North address, that she be assessed for an alcohol and drug treatment programme, and complete the programme as directed by her probation officer.
He also ordered her not to associate with anyone who wasn't designated by the probation officer, that she not have any alcohol or illicit drugs and that she undertakes employment training.
Isherwood was arrested during a police raid on a methamphetamine lab in Otaki on the Kapiti Coast on June 21.
Police found 2.7 grams of methamphetamine worth between $2000 and $2700 in her car.
Her former partner has been jailed for 2 1/2 years for manufacturing pure methamphetamine.
Justice MacKenzie said that Isherwood had achieved prominence as a jockey but her career had been affected by two serious accidents.
Following the second accident Isherwood fell into the company of people in the drug scene and became dependent on methamphetamine.
"You now have no money, property or savings,' Justice MacKenzie said.
Isherwood's association with the drug scene had led to a degree of alienation with her family and friends but she had stopped using methamphetamine a week after being charged with the drugs offences.
Walking quickly away from the court Isherwood told NZPA: "All I would like to say is at least I'm not going to prison".
Isherwood won two Wellington Cups on Dancing Lord (1993) and Miss Baily (1999) during a distinguished racing career.
- NZPA
