Emma Xerri
Former Home and Away star and radio presenter Kate Ritchie has been fined and had her licence suspended after being charged with low-range drink driving.
The 44-year-old was driving along Heffron Road in Pagewood when Eastern Beaches Police Area Command officers stopped her in a blue Subaru station wagon to conduct mobile random breath testing.
She was arrested after failing the roadside breath test and taken to Maroubra Police Station to undergo a secondary test.
It was there that she allegedly returned a positive reading of 0.06.
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Ritchie was fined $600 for the offence of driving with a low-range prescribed concentration of alcohol, and her licence was suspended for three months on the spot.
Ritchie took to Instagram to address the charge and apologise.
She wrote: “Recently I undertook a random breath test.
"Although it was low level, the test came back positive. I made a poor decision and there is no doubt I understand the seriousness of my actions. I am truly sorry.”
Following Ritchie’s drink driving charge, rumours circulated that her future on her NovaFM show Kate, Tim and Joel was on the rocks.
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However, a station spokesperson has since shut down these rumours, confirming Ritchie will return to the show in the coming weeks.
"Whilst we don't usually comment on this type of unfounded speculation, or confirm our presenter line up for 2023,” said the spokesperson.
“We have no plans for any changes to the Kate, Tim & Joel drive show or Kate's role within the show.”