Police officer pleads guilty to ‘embarrassing’ charge of drink driving

A police officer has fronted court after she was caught drink driving following a work function.

An Ipswich police officer has fronted court for what was described as an “embarrassing” drink driving offence.

Off duty police woman Jasmine Maree Gundry was caught drink driving after she left a work function at Ipswich, where she had drunk three wines, Ipswich Magistrates Court has heard.

Police prosecution said Gundry was randomly pulled over by Ipswich highway patrol at 9.37pm on Friday April 8 along Warwick Rd at Ipswich.

Gundry’s solicitor said the new mother thought she was okay to make the short drive home after attending the event and noted the loss of license would impact her role as a mum and possibly her work.

“(She) is very embarrassed by the incident which occurred after a send-off … for a work colleague,” he said.

“It was Ms Gundry’s first time drinking in 12 months as she had only recently had her daughter, who is currently 10-weeks-old.

“The charges are embarrassing given (her) employment and there may potentially be some further consequences.”

The court heard Gundry’s BAC was 0.06, and she was upfront with the officers and admitted to drinking three wines during the evening.

Off duty police woman Jasmine Maree Gundry was caught drink driving after she left a work function at Ipswich where she had drank three wines. Picture: Facebook

Police prosecution said the 27-year-old had no criminal history and had not been charged with drink driving in the past.

“I understand Ms Gundry is a police officer which is perhaps one of the more aggravating features of this offence,” he said.

Gundry pleaded guilty to driving over the general alcohol limit but not the middle alcohol limit.

Magistrate Grace Kahlert said the offending was out of character for Gundry but noted she should know better.

“You should not have been driving, particularly given your career and knowing the consequences of drink driving (and) why it is so important that people don’t,” she said.

“I note it was a random interception – it wasn’t because of the manner of your driving and I accept you didn’t drive deliberately knowing you were intoxicated.”

Magistrate Kahlert fined Gundry $400 and disqualified her license for one month.

No conviction was recorded.