UPDATE: A 54-year-old woman was convicted of mid-range drink-driving after a late-night trip to McDonald’s, disrupting her night out with friends. Nadine Schoenmaker of Durham Street, West Bathurst faced Bathurst Local Court on November 26, 2025, where details of her reckless behavior were revealed.
The incident occurred around 1:45 AM on October 19, when police observed Schoenmaker’s vehicle swerving dangerously in its lane. Authorities pulled her over after she nearly collided with a gutter, according to court documents.
Upon approaching Schoenmaker, officers detected a strong smell of alcohol and noticed her slurred speech. As she exited her Isuzu wagon, she struggled to maintain her balance. In a concerning display of impairment, she pretended to blow into the breathalyzer on her first attempt and blew incorrectly on the second. It was only on her third attempt that she registered a positive reading with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.136.
Schoenmaker had been enjoying dinner with friends before being asked to deliver food to family members, as reported by her solicitor, Shane Cunningham. Given that this was her first criminal charge, Cunningham urged the court to impose the minimum penalty.
However, Magistrate Gemma Slack-Smith emphasized the importance of community safety in her ruling. She convicted Schoenmaker and imposed a fine of $1,300. Additionally, her driver’s license was suspended for three months, followed by a 12-month interlock period once reinstated.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of impaired driving, especially during late-night outings. As the community continues to grapple with alcohol-related incidents, officials urge all drivers to prioritize safety and remain sober behind the wheel.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story, and remember to share this information to raise awareness about the risks of drink-driving.
