Skye Wheatley, a former contestant on 'Big Brother Australia,' has spoken out about her recent drink driving charge, admitting she consumed wine and cocktails over the weekend. The 32-year-old was banned from driving for five months and fined $700 last month after pleading guilty to being in charge of a motor vehicle while over the alcohol limit.
During a social media Q&A session on Monday, Wheatley stated she was "not proud" of her actions and is taking steps to make amends. She clarified that she was not actually driving when apprehended but was found over the legal alcohol limit while in possession of her vehicle. "I will talk about it soon," she said. "Definitely not proud of my actions. Have done a Queensland Traffic Offenders Program course plus going to therapy."
Wheatley indicated she has largely reduced her alcohol intake, allowing for occasional weekend indulgences. "Only drinking mocktails (had a wine over the weekend and a few cocktails) but definitely getting to know my limits which I feel really good about," she wrote. She expressed that while it is a "s**t situation," she feels "so much good came from it" and intends to share a "story time" about the experience.
Last month, the Southport Magistrates Court heard that police found Wheatley passed out in her car at a McDonald's on the Gold Coast. Officers detected a "strong smell of liquor" from the vehicle after waking her. A blood-alcohol reading indicated she was over the limit.
Wheatley's lawyer, Belinda Robinson, informed the court that Wheatley had been sleep-deprived upon returning home and was experiencing anxiety and depression, having barely eaten for a week prior to the incident. Robinson stated Wheatley was upset about "coming home to an empty house" before going to McDonald's. Police prosecutor Darcey Hugonnet and Acting Magistrate Mark Whitbread expressed skepticism regarding aspects of the defense's account.
In mitigation, it was noted that Wheatley has since sought professional help, participating in a police program, consulting a psychologist, and beginning medication for anxiety and depression. She pleaded guilty to being in charge of a motor vehicle while over the middle alcohol limit.