Former Australian Idol Kate DeAraugo was allegedly caught with drugs and weapons by Shepparton police earlier this year.
The 31-year-old was allegedly carrying .43 grams of ice in Shepparton on June 10, according to The Shepparton News.
Police also allege that five days later, on June 15, the star was again caught with ice, and that she was illegally carrying a large knife and a tomahawk.
Drug charges: Former Australian Idol Kate DeAraugo was allegedly caught with drugs and weapons by Shepparton police earlier this year
She was reportedly also caught driving under the influence of drugs and faces up to 15 years in jail.
Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Kate’s representatives for comment.
Music manager Tony Southwell, who worked with Kate earlier this year, described her legal woes as ‘awful.’
Legal woes: The 31-year-old was reportedly first busted carrying .43 grams of ice in Shepparton on June 10, according to The Shepparton News
Second offence? Police also allege that five days later, on June 15, the star was again caught with ice, and that she was illegally carrying a large knife and a tomahawk. Kate is pictured here with 2005 Idol runner up Emily Williams (R)
‘It’s very, very sad because she’s a beautiful young woman with an incredible gift,’ he told New Idea on Monday.
‘She’s had a really tough time, but I thought she was over all that stuff. This is awful.’
Earlier this month, the Bendigo-native was scheduled to appear at Shepparton Magistrates’ court on six charges but had the matter adjorned by her lawyer.
A star is born: Kate, who has admittedly battled addiction for years, first rose to stardom as the fresh-faced winner of Australian Idol in 2005. Three years later, she joined the pop group Young Divas alongside Idol runner-up Emily Williams (R), Ricki-Lee Coulter (2-L) and Pauline Curuenavuli (3-L)
The case has been adjourned to October 4 at Bendigo Magistrates’ Court.
Kate, who has admittedly battled addiction for years, first rose to stardom as the fresh-faced winner of Australian Idol in 2005.
Three years later, she joined the pop group Young Divas alongside Idol runner-up Emily Williams, Ricki-Lee Coulter and Pauline Curuenavuli.
Mental health struggles: It was shortly after joining the Young Divas that Kate began her ‘downward spiral’ while battling depression
It was shortly after joining the Young Divas that Kate began her ‘downward spiral’ while battling depression.
She later told News Corp that the dark time taught her valuable life lessons.
‘I would probably re-do a few things,’ she said.
Public apology: In 2015, the star was charged with drug driving and issued a public apology on Facebook
‘But everything I’ve been through has taught me some pretty massive lessons. I lost my way for the last three years.
She continued: ‘I wasn’t looking after myself, I was partying hard, and I got lost.’
In 2012, Kate appeared to bounce back in her battle with addiction and lost an incredible 60 kilos, nearly half of her 125 kilo body weight – thanks to gastric sleeve surgery.
Speaking out: ‘As hard as you might find this to believe, I don’t actually condone drug use and I certainly know that there’s no excuse for drug-driving,’ she wrote in a lengthy Facebook post
However in 2015, the star relapsed and was charged with drug driving.
She had her licence disqualified for six months and was fined $330 after pleading guilty to one count of drug driving.
Shortly after the incident, Kate issued a public apology asking for forgiveness from her family, friends and fans.
‘As hard as you might find this to believe, I don’t actually condone drug use and I certainly know that there’s no excuse for drug-driving,’ she wrote in a lengthy Facebook post.
‘Other than the legal ramifications, I am unsure of what happens from here but this by no way means I am giving up.’
Speaking to Daily Mail Australia at the time, her manager Dave Wilkins confirmed she was battling demons.
‘Unfortunately Kate has been battling addictions for a very long time and she’s been very healthy for quite some time, but now has fallen into relapse,’ he said.
‘I know her family and myself, being her manager, just want what is best for Kate and will be there with her to try and get her through this dark moment.
He added: ‘She is going to go back into rehab. She is with her family at the moment and right now it is best for her family to deal with these issues.
Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.