Idol star facing jail for drug and weapon charges

Former Australian Idol contestent Kate DeAraugo performs during an Australian Idol Concert. Photo / Getty

Troubled pop star Kate DeAraugo faces up to 15 years in jail on drugs and weapons charges, it has emerged.

The 31-year-old has faced court in Shepparton, Victoria after allegedly being found in possession of the drug methamphetamine, also known as ice.

DeAraugo, who rose to fame as the winner of hit reality series Australian Idol in 2005 and went on to be part of the Young Divas musical group, has spoken in the past of her mental health and addiction battles.

The Young Divas on the red carpet at the Sydney Opera House for the final of the 2006 Australian Idol, 26 November 2006. Photo / Getty

According to reports in New Idea, she was allegedly caught with ice by police twice in five days - first on June 10 with 430 milligrams and again on June 15 with "a trafficable quantity of the drug, a large knife and a tomahawk".

DeAraugo was also allegedly driving under the influence of drugs at the time. The allegations have only just emerged, to the shock of loved ones.

"It's very, very sad because she's a beautiful young woman with an incredible gift,' music manager Tony Southwell told the magazine.

Southwell gave DeAraugo a job as a backing singer earlier this year.

"She's had a really tough time, but I thought she was over all that stuff. This is awful."

While working together through January and February, as part of a 20-gig show with the James Southwell Band, Southwell said she was a total professional.

"She was never late for a rehearsal or a show, and conducted herself in the most professional manner," he said.

Kate DeAraugo as part of the ARIA Number 1 Chart Awards at Doltone House, Pyrmont on February 22, 2007 in Sydney, Australia. Photo / Getty

"We brought her in to sing, and that's what she did, incredibly. There were no issues at all, no sign of drugs or alcohol or anything."

She is due to appear in court on October 4, facing a maximum penalty of 15 years in jail.

It was at the height of her fame that DeAraugo began to face issues with addiction, she told News Corp Australia in 2012.

She shed nearly half of her body weight after undergoing gastric sleeve surgery and said she had turned a corner.

But in 2015 she hit rock bottom again after being charged with drug driving. She lost her license and was fined.