Instagram/Masterchef Australia
Masterchef runner-up Ben Ungermann has ‘blamed Masterchef pressure’ for his May 26 drink-driving offence.
In a letter addressed to Brisbane Magistrates court be pointed the finger of blame on the Channel 10 show’s strict rules and punishing schedule, stating that his mental state had been affected.
‘Since being back from the competition, I suffered from waves of depression and felt very lost in the real world,’ the Courier Mail reports the reality star as saying.
‘After being told when I could eat, go to the bathroom, sleep and awake every day and not be allowed to venture out without permission, I have found moving home to be difficult.’
In the letter, the Masterchef runner-up said his desire to avoid attention after the show wrapped effectively turned him into a ‘hermit.’
Speaking about the drink-driving offience earlier this month, Ben reportedly told a Magistrate that he had consumed four glasses of wine without food when his girlfriend, Alicia Miller, called asking him to pick her up on May 26.
A representative for Queensland police confirmed reports that Ben’s vehicle collided with traffic at an intersection in Kangaroo point.
‘I in no way condone drink driving, but (it should be noted) that the report indicated a very low-reading,’ the representative said.
‘I feel sorry for the young man, it was very minor to be honest,’ the representative said.
The father-of-three was given a two-month disqualification from driving and $400 fine as a result, according to the publication.
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