Australian singer Christine Anu, 49, fined and disqualified from driving after DUI offence on New Year’s Eve
- Singer Christine Anu blew 0.109 after she was breath tested on New Year’s Eve
- Anu had been drinking at a champagne breakfast on the day she blew over limit
- The singer was fined $650 and was disqualified from driving for three months
Australian singer Christine Anu has pleaded guilty to drink driving after blowing 0.109 following a champagne breakfast.
The 49-year-old was pulled over for a random breath test in Rockhampton in central Queensland on New Year’s Eve.
On Monday, the ARIA award winner faced Rockhampton Magistrates Court and was fined $650 as well as being disqualified from driving for three months.
Australian singer Christine Anu (pictured) has pleaded guilty to drink driving after she was breath tested on New Year’s Eve
Anu’s solicitor, Rowan King, said she was ‘extremely embarrassed and remorseful’ to be appearing in court for the first time in her life.
The 49-year-old drank several alcoholic beverages during the champagne breakfast before having a rest for a few hours, Mr King said.
She had two more glasses of wine before travelling to a friend’s house.
‘When she got behind the wheel she certainly did not feel any affect of alcohol and she accepts, with the benefit of hindsight, this was an extremely poor decision,’ Mr King said, The Courier Mail reported.
‘She’s someone who comes before the court with an exceptional 28-year career and someone who has given significant efforts towards contributing to the community through her employment.
The singer has been fined $650 and was disqualified from driving for three months
‘This is certainly something which is completely out of character for her.’
The court heard she had been visiting family in central Queensland as they were spending their first Christmas without their father who passed away in April.
Anu has won various accolades over her career including an ARIA Award for best female recording artist.
At the 2000 Sydney Olympic closing ceremony, Anu sang her best-known song ‘My Island Home’.
She has also held various roles in television, radio and film.
The 49-year-old sang her hit ‘My Island Home’ at the 2000 Sydney Olympics closing ceremony