Singer hits low note with drugs possession

A FORMER Idol winner has continued his fall from grace after being caught with more than 4g of the drug ice and stolen clothes.

Matthew John Saunoa pleaded guilty in the Southport Magistrates Court to possessing dangerous drugs, possessing tainted property, possessing drug related utensils and failing to properly dispose of a syringe.

Saunoa is currently a member of the Hanlon Brothers and gigs with them twice a week.

The singer shot to fame in 2006 when he won the third series of New Zealand Idol.

His winner’s single, Hold Out, topped the New Zealand singles chart.

Magistrate Kerry Magee sentenced him to 18 months probation.

“You obviously have a significant talent,” she said, and had “every prospect” of succeeding if he gave up drugs.

Prosecutor Caitlin Usher told the court police stopped Saunoa on Surf St in Mermaid Waters about 4am on December 12 last year. Saunoa told police he had drugs on him.

Ms Usher said a search of a bum bag found clipseal bags containing 4g of the drug ice.

“He said he had brought about half an ounce for personal use,” she said.

Police also found a T-shirt, hat and jacket all with security tags in Saunoa’s car.

Saunoa’s solicitor Bianca van Heerden, of Ashkan Tai Lawyers, said Saunoa had suffered from long-term drug issues.

She said a short amount of time in custody earlier this year had helped him drop the habit.

Ms van Heerden said Saunoa had recently split with his wife.

She said he is also unable to contact his children, who live in New Zealand with Saunoa’s brother, due to his drug use.