FORENSIC EXPERT 'HUMBLED' BY DRUGS

A high-profile forensic psychologist, who has admitted a $2,000-a-week
cocaine addiction, had suffered a major depressive illness, a court was
told yesterday.

Dr Tim Watson-Munro, an expert witness in court cases, pleaded guilty to
one count of cocaine use and one of possession.

Senior Constable Mick Batten, prosecuting, told Melbourne Magistrates'
Court that Watson-Munro had surrendered to police on September 14 after a
five-week drug squad investigation, Operation Regent.

The magistrate, Mr Bruce Cottrill, said a conviction would halt a
"significant and very important" career and Watson-Munro had already paid
an "enormous price" through his addiction.

Mr Cottrill said he had been impressed by character witnesses, and
Watson-Munro's integrity was "beyond reproach". He fined him $1,000 and
placed him on a 12-month good behaviour bond.

Senior Constable Batten said Watson-Munro was identified through tapes of
conversations intercepted in a city office as part of the investigation.

He told the court Watson-Munro had first tried cocaine four years ago, but
during the past year came to use a gram each day.

Watson-Munro's counsel, Mr Terry Forrest, QC, said his client's use of the
drug had increased because of the depressive illness he suffered after
losing his first wife to cancer last year. He had also lost a baby from his
second marriage.

Ms Lillian Lieder, QC, gave character evidence for Watson-Munro, with whom
she has worked for more than 15 years. "I have always found him to be a man
of the highest integrity," she said.

Outside the court, Watson-Munro said he had been humbled by his experience
and was looking forward to his reformation. "Drugs are insidious and if
anyone thinks there is any glam in it they should learn from my
experience," he said.