Julie’s shame: MasterChef winner busted drink-driving after fleeing RBT
INAUGURAL MasterChef winner and popular Central Coast Star 104.5 morning radio host Julie Goodwin has been busted drink-driving after doing a runner to avoid a roadside breath test.
Central Coast
Don't miss out on the headlines from Central Coast. Followed categories will be added to My News.
INAUGURAL MasterChef winner and popular Star 104.5 morning radio host Julie Goodwin has been busted drink-driving after doing a runner to avoid a roadside breath test.
Brisbane Water Chief Inspector Nigel Webber confirmed officers were conducting a roadside RBT on the Pacific Highway at North Gosford as part of Operation Merret about 8pm last night when they saw Goodwin’s distinctive Mini Cooper — with personalised plates `cookin’ — approach.
“Police will allege a Mini Cooper sedan approached the RBT site before conducting a U-turn and driving away,” Chief Insp Webber said.
Police gave chase and located Goodwin and her car in a nearby side street, close to her restaurant and cooking school Julie’s Place.
Chief Insp Webber confirmed “a 47-year-old woman from Niagara Park” failed a road side breath test before being arrested and taken to Gosford Police Station.
Back at the station Goodwin returned a blood alcohol reading of 0.107 — more than double the legal limit.
She was charged with mid range drink-driving and her licence was suspended on the spot.
Chief Insp Webber said she was not charged over trying to flee the RBT.
Goodwin, who only last week jumped out of a plane to raise thousands of dollars for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter service, will face Gosford Local Court on May 25.
Goodwin, it seems, has form when it comes to panicking at the prospect of crossing paths with emergency services.
During a recent radio show with co-host Rabbit, it was revealed Goodwin jumped under a table and hid when she accidentally dialled triple-0 from her new iPhone.
In a statement released exclusively to the Express Advocate a remorseful Goodwin said she took full responsibility for her actions.
THE FULL UNEDITED STATEMENT:
“It is with great shame and regret that I write these words.
Last night while driving home from a celebratory function I had catered, I was stopped by Police and subjected to a random breath test which I failed. I have subsequently been charged with mid-range drink driving.
Needless to say I accept full responsibility for this error in judgment, which I believe is completely out of character for me.
I want to take the opportunity to offer a heartfelt and unreserved apology to my family, my colleagues, and to the broader community. I would also like to apologise to everyone that has supported me over many years, I have let you all down.
I am devastated that I have acted in a way so contrary to what I believe, to how I usually conduct myself, and to what I have taught my children.
Many lessons will flow from this, and I will learn from each of them.”
OPERATION MERRET NABS 30,000 MOTORISTS
IN FOUR weeks since the start of Operation Merret — a statewide high visibility police roads blitz — officer have issued more than 30,000 infringements for a variety of offences including speeding, not wearing a seatbelt, and using a mobile phone while driving.
NSW Police Force Deputy Commissioner Catherine Burn said the “unorthodox” operation comes after more than 100 lives have already been lost on the state’s roads this year.
“While we have seen a lot of positive feedback from the community, it is sad to see that the 30,000-plus infringements represent 30,000 people who made a decision to put themselves and others at risk over the past four weeks,” she said.