Former Auckland eye surgeon Philip Polkinghorne, recently acquitted of murdering his wife, has been sentenced to 150 hours of community service for methamphetamine possession.
The drug charges surfaced after 37 grams of meth, valued at over $13,000, were discovered in his home, with evidence of meth use also detected at his former clinic. Despite Polkinghorne’s claim of limited usage, the court noted his responsibility for the substantial amount found, which included only his DNA on the containers.
Justice Graham Lang chose community service over a fine, stating that Polkinghorne’s financial means rendered a fine insufficient as a deterrent.
The judge credited Polkinghorne for his professional contributions and recent negative drug tests, acknowledging the damage to his public profile following the trial. Lang rejected the defense’s suggestion of a minimal fine, pointing to Polkinghorne’s attempts to minimise his accountability.
Polkinghorne was ordered to serve 150 hours of community service for drug possession and was convicted and discharged for possessing a meth pipe.
