Mix 102.3 Adelaide breakfast radio host Jodie Oddy, has been banned from driving for 12 months after being found to have been drink driving at five times over the legal limit, when she crashed into a tree last December while travelling in a 50 kph zone.
Oddy returned a reading of 0.256 at the South Coast District Hospital following the crash in Middleton that had forced another drive to brake suddenly moments before the crash.
Through her lawyer, in the Victor Harbor Magistrates Court, she pleaded guilty to one count each of driving with excess blood alcohol and driving without due care.
In a statement to radioinfo, Jody says
“In early December 2018, I was involved in a motor vehicle accident in my street.
“This accident happened after drinking. There is no excuse, because I did it. And I own it.
“I was driving alone at the time and I’m very grateful that there were no other vehicles or people involved.
“I take full responsibility for the accident, cooperated with law enforcement, and I have pleaded guilty to the charge of driving over the limit, exceeding the prescribed concentration of alcohol (PCA).
“Today I was handed a 12-month driving disqualification and a fine for which I will take complete ownership.
“I am embarrassed, disappointed and so angry at myself for this stupid and dangerous mistake.
“I am so thankful that no one else was hurt and I am acutely aware of the “what if’s” in this scenario because I have relived them every day for the last seven months.
“I obviously offer a heartfelt and unreserved apology to my family, my colleagues, and to the broader community.
“I appreciate the support I have received over the last seven months from friends and family, who are aware of the deeply personal circumstances surrounding these events. Until I can find healing and forgiveness within myself for this one-off lapse of judgement, they will remain personal and private.”
An ARN spokesperson says “While we don’t comment on our employees private matters, what we can say is that this incident in unquestionably serious.
We fully support Jodie for her remorse and for taking full responsibility for her actions, and echo the sentiment of her statement.
Jodie is a valued member of ARN who has been with the company for more than 11 years and is highly regarded in the industry. She is someone who loves her work and takes her role as a broadcaster to a family audience seriously. This is reflected in her breakfast show content on air each morning and the community work that she and the show are tirelessly committed to.”
