Conviction
Cassidy Johnstone conviction
The criminal outcome against Cassidy Ellen Johnstone after the 2020 Auckland offending, upheld in Johnstone v Police [2023] NZHC 1660.
Skim the record
Court-proven facts at a glance
- Blood alcohol182 mg / 100 mlOver twice the 80 mg legal limit
- MDMAPresent in bloodClass B drug · court-proven
- Harbour Bridge~180 km/hChase, crash, injured passengers
- ConvictionUpheld on appealJohnstone v Police [2023] NZHC 1660
What the conviction covers
Cassidy Ellen Johnstone pleaded guilty to causing injury while under the influence of drink and/or a drug, and to reckless driving. The High Court recorded blood alcohol of 182 mg per 100 ml against an 80 mg limit, and that the same sample contained MDMA. Two passengers suffered serious long-term injuries. That is the conviction on her record.
Failed attempt to wipe the record
She later asked the High Court to discharge the conviction for career and travel reasons, including cybersecurity employment fears. The appeal was dismissed; Justice Hinton described the original sentence as “generous” and found no miscarriage of justice. The conviction stands.
Incident detail vs legal outcome
For the chase narrative (speeds, Harbour Bridge, failure to stop), use the Harbour Bridge page. For the case citation and full reasons, use Johnstone v Police and the full judgment text. Hiring context: why not to hire into a trusted role.