Skye Wheatley has shared video footage of herself arriving at her mother's home after a night out, following a recent court appearance where she was convicted of a drink-driving offense. The former Big Brother Australia star was banned from driving for five months and fined $700 on Monday after pleading guilty to being in charge of a motor vehicle while over the alcohol limit.
In the video, Wheatley is seen arriving at her mother's front door, joking that it made her feel like a teenager. "It's really hard going home to your mum's house at 11:00 o'clock at night when you are in your 30s!" she told fans, appearing tired. She also mentioned a recent sleeping mishap, stating she fell asleep with an LED lamp over her stomach and ate gummy lollies to stay awake.
The Southport Magistrates Court heard that police found Wheatley passed out inside her car at a McDonald's on the Gold Coast. Officers detected a strong smell of liquor from the vehicle after waking her up. Wheatley returned a blood-alcohol reading of 0.119.
Her lawyer, Belinda Robinson, told the court that Wheatley had been sleep-deprived and experiencing anxiety and depression about returning home. Robinson stated that Wheatley had called time on her relationship with long-time partner Lachlan Waugh and had barely eaten for a week prior to the incident. She explained that Wheatley was upset about "coming home to an empty house" before driving to McDonald's.
Police prosecutor Darcey Hugonnet expressed doubt regarding the defense's claim that Wheatley was sober upon arriving at the fast-food venue, given she had purchased a bottle of Jim Beam and consumed it in her car beforehand. Acting Magistrate Mark Whitbread also conveyed skepticism, stating, "It sounds unbelievable to me, having heard many of these things over the years."
In mitigation, Robinson informed the court that Wheatley had taken steps to address her mental health and relationship with alcohol since the incident. She had consulted a psychologist, begun medication for anxiety and depression, and participated in a police program since August 20. Mage4