MAFS bride Ottie on drink-drive charge

Married At First Sight participant Ottie Schwartz, 32, was caught drink driving while on her way home from an unofficial wrap party – the night her reality television husband kissed another contestant.

The party, organised by the show’s contestants, was at Mama Hooch bar in Christchurch last Saturday night, October 27.

Schwartz was partnered with Gareth Noble in the television show, but the relationship did not work out. Noble became romantically involved with another MAFS participant, Monique Lee, who confirmed she kissed Noble at the unofficial wrap party.

Police stopped Schwartz near her Richmond home early on Sunday, October 28.

Yesterday she issued a statement saying she was ‘‘owning’’ her decision. She said she was upset and wanted to remove herself from an ‘‘awkward situation’’.

‘‘I’d never have driven if I thought I was over the limit. It was routine stop. It had been three hours since my last drink,’’ she said, in a social media statement.

‘‘I was upset and thought it was best to leave an awkward situation and go home.

‘‘Excuses aside . . . I am taking full responsibility . . . and am annoyed at myself for letting my emotions get in the way of logical thinking.’’

Police allege Schwartz recorded 473 micrograms of alcohol per litre of breath in a breath test. The legal limit is 250mcg, which brings a traffic ticket, and exceeding 400mcg at court.

It was understood most of the Married At First Sight participants organised to catch up as the final episode of their season aired. They spent most of Saturday together in Christchurch city. Sources said the group was getting on well, even if it was somewhat awkward catching up with former partners.

They were understood to have stayed late into the evening. Schwartz was caught at a police stop early on Sunday morning. means prosecution