Hearing for ex-journalist drug accused

A depositions hearing has begun in Auckland to determine whether former journalist Peter Verschaffelt will stand trial on a drug charge.

Verschaffelt, 60, faced one charge of manufacturing methamphetamine and one of attempting to pervert the course of justice when the hearing began at North Shore District Court today.

Prosecutor Brian Leonard said Verschaffelt was arrested along with co-accused Greg Wilesmith in October 2006 following a police search of a motel room in Orewa, north of Auckland.

He said police had been called after the motel manager indicated she had detected strong chemical smells coming from the unit.

Mr Leonard said several items were found at the motel unit from which a subsequent forensic analysis later detected methamphetamine.

Verschaffelt and Wilesmith were later charged with manufacturing methamphetamine.

The charge of attempting to pervert the course of justice was laid after police alleged Verschaffelt, who then worked for the Housing Corporation, threatened a woman that her partner would be kicked out of a state house if she did not tell police if asked that Verschaffelt was giving her and her partner counselling.

Verschaffelt, who is representing himself, denied the charge when first arrested, saying he was only helping Wilesmith out with accommodation.

He indicated to Judge Barbara Morris today that he would try to get the charges struck out after police witnesses had given evidence.

The hearing was due to last one day but Verschaffelt indicated he wanted to cross-examine most of the eight witnesses and expected it would take longer.

- NZPA