PAULINI: DON’T SEND ME TO JAIL!
She put on a brave face in court last week, but those close to The Bodyguard star Paulini Curuenavuli say privately she’s terrified of a new life behind bars. On top of facing a corruption charge for attempting to bribe a public official to unlawfully obtain a driver’s licence, Paulini’s shocking driving record has been revealed. The singer has racked up 11 driving offences – including speeding three times and driving on her L-plates unaccompanied by a qualified driver three times – despite never holding more than a learner’s permit. Now, with the threat of seven years in prison hanging over her head Paulini, 34 – who is due to be sentenced in December – is said to be worried that she could be spending Christmas behind bars. And her friends are doing everything in their power to support her.
“Thinking about you today darling, certain it’s been a tough day for you,” fellow actress Rhonda Burchmore said on the day of Paulini’s hearing last week.
Meanwhile, model Jason Plyzinack commented, “we all make mistakes... you still have my love and support.”
Despite the uncertainty of her future, the singer’s barrister Lisa-claire Hutchinson is determined to fight for Paulini’s freedom and told the Mount Druitt Local Court in Sydney the penalty should be a fine only, as handed out in similar cases.
She also asked Magistrate Brian Van Zuylen for a long adjournment before her sentencing so Paulini could complete a traffic offender’s program and obtain a driver’s licence lawfully.