Masterchef’s Julie Goodwin arrested for drink-driving and fleeing RBT

She’s one of Australia’s most celebrated celebrity chefs, but original Masterchef winner Julie Goodwin has found herself on the wrong side of the law.

The 47-year-old has been caught and arrested for drink driving. To make matters worse, the TV personality also fled the scene in an attempt to avoid police at an RBT. In an exclusive report by the Central Coast Gosford Express Advocate that was published in the Daily Telegraph, it is believed the incident took place on Thursday evening along the Pacific Highway at North Gosford.

Goodwin, who is known to drive in the area in an iconic Mini Cooper with personalised number plates, is thought to have approached the RBT, before making a U-turn to avoid being breathalysed.

According to the report, officers noticed the odd behaviour and quickly chased after the cook. She was caught, arrested and taken to Gosford Police Station for further questioning. There, police officers discovered she had a blood alcohol reading of 0.107 – more than double the legal limit in New South Wales.

As a result, Goodwin has had her licence suspended and has been charged with mid range drink-driving. It is believed police have not charged Goodwin for fleeing the scene of the RBT. She will face Gosford Local Court on May 25.

Taking to her Facebook page on Friday evening, the radio host issued an apology and explanation for her behaviour.

“It is with great shame and regret that I write these words,” she said. “Last night while driving home from a celebratory function I had catered, I was stopped by police and subjected to a random breath test which I failed. I have subsequently been charged with mid-range drink driving.”

Goodwin took full responsibility for her actions, but said it wasn’t like her at all.

“Needless to say I accept full responsibility for this error in judgment, which I believe is completely out of character for me,” she continued. “I want to take the opportunity to offer a heartfelt and unreserved apology to my family, my colleagues, and to the broader community.”

She also apologised for letting down her fans and supporters.

“I would also like to apologise to everyone that has supported me over many years, I have let you all down,” she said. “I am devastated that I have acted in a way so contrary to what I believe, to how I usually conduct myself, and to what I have taught my children. Many lessons will flow from this, and I will learn from each of them.”

Fans were quick to slam Goodwin for her actions, with one person noting that drink driving doesn’t just happen by accident.

“I’m not ok with these comments. Drink driving isn’t a mistake or accident,” they wrote. “The difference is, once you’ve killed someone due to being impaired by alcohol, you cannot take it back. Drink driving is negligence.”

Another comment read: “No sympathy here. Your error could have been someone’s child, mother, father loved one. At best, you were twice the legal limit You had to know you had drink too much. More so because you are in the food industry”.

A third added: “I don’t get this at all. You do one or the other, you drink or you drive. I spent two months in hospital and my father was killed by a driver that was over the limit. There are no excuses”.

What do you think? Are you shocked by Julie Goodwin’s actions?