An AFLW star has avoided a conviction for drink driving on a jetski during a holiday on the Gold Coast.
Jess Hosking (left), from Richmond, was instead ordered to pay an $800 fine for her “ill-considered” conduct, with a court told a conviction could affect her social wellbeing and charity work.
Hosking, who signed with the Tigers last year, did not speak to waiting media outside Southport Magistrates Court on Wednesday and instead hurriedly entered a car after her sentencing.
She pleaded guilty to a single charge of driving over the middle alcohol limit on a personal watercraft.
The court was told Hosking was riding a red and white jetski about 10.40am on December 4 when she was stopped by police. She told officers she had consumed UDL cans before operating the watercraft.
Hosking, 27, registered a BAC of 0.137 at 11.12am that same day. Under Queensland law, the blood alcohol limit while using boats – including personal watercraft – is 0.05.
The court was told she was “clearly ashamed and remorseful” and co-operated with police.
When the charges were laid, Richmond issued a statement saying they were aware of the incident involving Hosking.
“The AFL has been informed of the incident and as this matter is currently under investigation by Queensland Police we are unable to make any further comment,” a spokesman said.
Defence barrister Patrick Wilson said Hosking had been subjected to adverse media publicity as a result of the charge.
He asked the court not to record a conviction, citing Hosking’s extensive charity work overseas.
“She is plainly of good character,” Mr Wilson said.
“There’s a real prospect her social wellbeing will be affected by the recording of a conviction.”
Acting magistrate Rob Turra reduced Hosking’s penalty because of her early plea of guilty, which he said indicated her remorse.
“This is ill-considered conduct, putting others at risk,” he told her.
“You should not have been driving that watercraft.”
Magistrate Turra noted Hosking had “given a lot back to the community” through her charity work and took into account her good standing in the AFLW community.
Hosking was fined $800 with no conviction recorded.
Richmond declined to comment further when contacted by NCA NewsWire on Wednesday and referred to their previous statement.
