Drugs charges: Lawyer named

Marc Cropper pleaded guilty to three charges of possessing the class-A drug at the start of the month after the Crown dropped a more serious count of possession for supply. Photo / Supplied

An experienced Auckland lawyer awaiting sentencing on methamphetamine charges can now be named.

Marc Cropper, 41, pleaded guilty to three charges of possessing the class-A drug at the start of the month after the Crown dropped a more serious count of possession for supply.

The ex-senior associate at Simpson Grierson was declined name suppression at the Auckland District Court hearing but his lawyer Peter Davy indicated there would be an appeal of that ruling to the High Court.

With no appeal filed, suppression now lapses for the solicitor and barrister who returned to New Zealand and rejoined the large firm two years ago after five years with London-based law firm, Addleshaw Goddard.

Cropper is due to be sentenced next month and Mr Davey told the court he would be seeking a discharge without conviction.

The charges carry a maximum of six months imprisonment.

Cropper was caught in a police sting dubbed Operation Sienna that netted several defendants, all of whom face more serious charges than him.

He admitted to possession of at least 2.5g of the class-A drug but no more than 4.5g, between June and July.

Mr Davey said his client had already begun counselling sessions and wanted to continue with more intensive therapy before sentencing.

A Simpson Grierson staff member said no one would comment on Cropper's case because he no longer worked for the firm.

In a profile piece recently pulled from the company website, Cropper said it was good to be back in New Zealand.

"I loved working and living in London and all the opportunities and travel it entails, but you really can't beat day to day life here," he said.