Journalist Natasha Exelby has admitted drink-driving after driving her Kia into a parked car in Toorak.
Exelby, 34, appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday where she avoided conviction after admitting drink-driving and driving while suspended.
According to the Herald Sun, the former 10 News First reporter was arrested earlier this year when he was more than four times the legal limit.
Exelby drove a white Kia Cerato into a parked car along Orrong Road in Toorak on June 26.
Two police officers attended the scene and conducted a preliminary breath test which revealed alcohol.
Journalist Natasha Exelby has admitted drink-driving after driving her Kia into a parked car in Toorak. Pictured
Exelby allegedly told police she had only consumed “two seltzers” and did not believe she was driving while suspended.
“However, an evidentiary breath test later revealed that she allegedly had a blood alcohol level of 0.220,” the Herald Sun reported.
In a statement to the outlet, Exelby took “full responsibility” for her actions.
“It is no secret that I have suffered from severe depression and post-traumatic stress disorder for many years,” she said.
“At the time of the incident I was going through a very dark period with several medication changes.
“Never in my life did I think I was capable of what happened, but regardless of my mental health, my actions were shocking beyond words and I take full responsibility.”
Exelby allegedly told police she had only consumed “two seltzers” and did not believe she was driving while suspended
In September 2022, Natasha bravely spoke about her mental health issues in Studio 10.
The 34-year-old admitted she cried for “hours” “for no reason” and “danced the depression devil” for years.
She admitted as much while speaking to presenter Tristan MacManus about RU. OK? Day, a national day of action to remind everyone that every day is the day to ask yourself, “Are you OK?” and support those struggling with life’s ups and downs.
When Tristan asked Natasha how she was doing, she said she was doing “great” that day, but if he had asked her on Sunday, she would have said no.
“I cried for hours for no reason [on Sunday]’ she added.
“I think RU is OK? The day is so important. I’ve consciously been pretty open about the fact that I’ve been dancing with the devil of depression for 24 years.
“I hope we don’t just do this.” [talk openly about mental health] as a unique piece.’
“Mental illness is an illness,” she continued. “If I have a day off because I have tonsillitis, I have to take a day off because I’m battling depression.”
“We have come a long way, but we still have a long way to go.”
In September 2022, Natasha bravely spoke about her mental health issues in Studio 10. The 34-year-old admitted that she cried for “hours” “for no reason” and “danced the devil of depression” for years
Natasha previously explained that she had struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in recent years after reporting on war zones in the Middle East.
That same month, she opened up about her mental health on Instagram, saying that she had been taking medication and undergoing therapy for severe depression for years.
The TV personality, who was first diagnosed with depression aged just 15, compared her experience to “drowning”.
“At a time when depression, anxiety and self-harm are at record highs, I thought it might be helpful to show that you’re not alone when you feel like you’re drowning,” she wrote.
Natasha previously explained that she had struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in recent years after reporting on war zones in the Middle East
“I was diagnosed with severe depression when I was 15 and have been on medication and following constant psychiatric therapy and exercise ever since,” she added.
“You will never be completely healed, but I promise there is light at the end of the tunnel… even if it is a long tunnel!”
“I hope that if you are reading this and are feeling helpless or know someone who is, it will encourage you to get the help you deserve.”
If you or someone you know is struggling, contact Lifeline or Beyond Blue