Unacceptable madness’: Nine’s news boss Darren Wick charged with drink driving

Darren Wick previously sacked a respected journalist for a drink-drive charge that was much lower than his indiscretion.

Channel 9 news and current affairs director Darren Wick. Picture: Supplied

Nine Network’s director of news and current affairs Darren Wick has apologised to staff for a moment of “unacceptable madness” after he was arrested for high range drink-drinking following a work function at the weekend.

He was charged after he was caught behind the wheel with a blood alcohol reading of more than 0.2 — more than four times over the legal limit.

Wick has told Nine’s news staff that he “stupidly jumped behind the wheel of my car drunk and attempted to drive home” last Friday evening after leaving the commercial television broadcaster’s office in Willoughby in Sydney.

In an email sent to colleagues on Tuesday, Wick conceded he was an alcoholic who had been struggling to control his addiction for “some time”

“I was pulled over by police in Willoughby and tested positive to high range drink driving, more than four times over the legal limit. I was subsequently charged and will soon face court to pay for my actions,” Wick said.

“Sadly, in a moment of unacceptable madness, I’ve let you down.

“There was no rational reason for me to do this. And I‘ve played the events over in my head repeatedly during the past days. What made me snap? The answer is that I have to face the reality that I have an addiction to alcohol that I’ve been struggling to control for some time.”

Wick, who has been in his current role since 2012, said “all the blame for Friday night and what led to it is 100 per cent on me”, and apologised to staff for letting them down.

Part of Wick’s letter to his colleagues. Picture: Supplied

Darren Wick says his actions were “unacceptable madness”. Picture: Adam Yip/ The Daily Telegraph

“I am taking immediate steps to get help and deal with my problems. I know I need to change my life. I have already begun to get the professional help and advice I know I need.

“I am sharing this with you so you can learn from my poor judgment. I want to make this right. If any of you are considering making the same kind of decision I did, please don’t. Don’t risk it and if you think you have a problem, get help.”

“I intend to continue in my role here at Nine, but I may need more time away from the office over the next few months. I know the team of leaders who I work beside each day will continue to support you as you do your work,” Wick said in the email, which has been seen by The Australian.

Wick has been running the news division for the Nine network since 2012 and will remain in his role as news director.

Mr Wick was previously responsible for sacking highly respected Nine journalist Rebecca LeTourneau after she was arrested for drink driving in 2016 with a much lower alcohol reading of 0.059.

A Nine spokesman said Mr Wick faces serious consequences, but the media group will support him.

“Darren Wick has done something serious and with significant consequences but we intend to support our friend and colleague as he commits to recovering from this illness and rebuilds his life.”