Former Australian cricketer Michael Slater has been sentenced to four years in prison over a series of domestic violence offences. However, after serving more than 12 months in custody, the remainder of his sentence has been suspended. Slater, 55, will be released but will remain under a five-year suspended term, which means he could return to prison if he reoffends.
Charges Included Choking, Assault, and Stalking
Slater pleaded guilty to seven serious charges, including two counts of choking, stalking, assault, burglary, and sending abusive messages to a woman. The offences occurred in December 2023 on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. Additional evidence was found during a welfare check in March 2024.
Released After Additional Charge Resolved
His release was briefly delayed due to a pending drink and drug driving charge, which he also pleaded guilty to on the same day. Once resolved, Slater was cleared for release from Maroochydore District Court. Judge Glen Cash noted that Slater’s sentence would be suspended due to the time already served.
Long History of Mental Health and Addiction
Court records revealed Slater has a history of mental health issues and was battling alcohol use disorder. Defence lawyer Gregory McGuire said Slater was in the grip of severe addiction during the incidents and requested rehabilitation support during his bail pleas last year.
Past Offences and Cricketing Career
This is not Slater’s first brush with the law. In 2022, he was convicted of common assault and breaching a restraining order in New South Wales. He had made over 100 unwanted contact attempts to the victim despite legal orders.
Slater represented Australia in 74 Tests and 42 ODIs between 1993 and 2004, scoring over 5000 Test runs. Post-retirement, he worked as a cricket commentator on various television networks.
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