DPP solicitor avoids jail on drug charges

A former DPP solicitor charged with possessing cocaine has been handed a 12-month good behaviour bond.

Stefanie Garber • 29 September 2015 • NewLaw

Lisa Munro was stopped by police on a Sydney street in July and found to be in possession of 0.65 grams of cocaine.

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Ms Munro was charged with one count of drug possession and resigned from the DPP several days later.

In handing down the sentence at the Downing Centre Local Court yesterday, magistrate Greg Grogin noted that Ms Munro had experienced “enormous” public humiliation, according to a report in the Sydney Morning Herald.

However, he suggested the case acted as a deterrent to other young people caught in a cycle of binge drinking and partying.

“There needs to be a message sent out to members of the public that alcohol and drugs [are] not the answer to anything,” Magistrate Grogin said.

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Ms Munro’s barrister, Matthew Johnston SC, suggested Ms Munro had lost her “dream job” as a result of her actions.

According to a report from the Daily Telegraph, Ms Munro was a member of an elite section of the DPP known as the Group 6, which dealt with high-profile cases and referrals to ICAC.

NOTE: this story has been updated to correct an error.

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Shovel Tuesday, 29 September 2015

<p>I actually think this is pretty sad.Don't know this kid,not sure there is anything elite about group 6 at the DPP as far as my end of town is concerned .The hypocrisy of prosecuting people for supplying drugs then buying & using cocaine is pretty clear. Don't think that justifies the tabloid press using her wedding photo that they lifted from Facebook perhaps but that's News Ltd for you. Grogin the magistrate (pretty obvious mistake second last para),is very highly regarded across the board.Very sensible,fair minded,hard working and got a sense of humor . Got that "judicial temperament" thing going on that a number of his comrades dont. Not sure lawyers are any different to a cross section of the professions when it comes to alcohol & drugs on a friday night.<br>Now the headline & the lack of basic proof reading! In 30+ years of practice I have not seen a first offender on a simple drug possess in the Local Court go to prison. It doesnt happen its a small amount! Dept of Fair Trading dont operate in the drug trade ,its been sold as a gram & its .65 . Its a deal thats about $250 there or there abouts. <br>Write your own headlines & proof read.</p>

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