Nurse Richa Banstola Appeals Driving Disqualification After NSW Court Conviction

Richa Banstola, a 37‑year‑old nurse from Schofields in Western Sydney, pleaded guilty to refusing a breath test after a drink‑driving incident in Eden, New South Wales, on May 1. The case was heard in Eden Local Court on August 5, where Judge Doug Dick convicted her, noting the seriousness of the offence and the potential penalties of a $3,300 fine and up to 18 months imprisonment, though the maximum was not imposed.

Banstola’s solicitor, Ines Chiumento, argued that a loss of licence would be "devastating" for her nursing work and could affect her immigration status, as she plans to return to Nepal and bring her husband to Australia. Banstola has appealed the driving disqualification, fearing it will jeopardise her employment and family reunification plans.