TV show bride convicted of drink-driving
Married At First Sight participant Ottie Schwartz has been convicted of drink-driving while on her way home from an unofficial wrap party.
Schwartz was stopped by police near her Richmond home in Christchurch on October 28. Her breath alcohol level was 473mcg. The legal limit is 250mcg.
The 32-year-old, who was partnered with Gareth Noble in the television show, admitted a charge of drink-driving when she appeared before a community magistrate in the Christchurch District Court yesterday.
She told police she was driving home as her friend did not have a licence.
Her lawyer, Linda Drummond, said Schwartz was remorseful and acknowledged she made an ‘‘error of judgment’’. Schwartz was a person who ‘‘owns her mistakes’’, Drummond said. She was disqualified from driving for six months, fined $400 and ordered to pay court costs of $135.
Her relationship with Noble did not work out, and Noble became romantically involved with another MAFS participant, Monique Lee, who confirmed she kissed Noble on the night Schwartz was caught drink-driving. The party, organised by the show’s contestants, was at Mama Hooch bar in Christchurch.
Following an earlier court appearance, Schwartz issued a statement on social media saying she was ‘‘owning’’ her decision. She said on the night of the incident 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 a routine stop. It had been three hours since my last drink,’’ she said. ‘‘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.’’
It was understood most of the Married At First Sight participants organised to catch up as the final episode of their season aired.
After the wrap party, she told The Press her ex-partner’s actions were hurtful. ‘‘Behaving like this at a social event hosted by our MAFS family to celebrate our journey together wasn’t mindful,’’ she said.