Former Australian Cricketer Michael Slater Gets Suspended Jail Sentence for Domestic Violence

A court has sentenced former Australian cricketer Michael Slater to four years in prison, partially suspended, after he pleaded guilty to several serious offences, including domestic violence. However, he will not spend additional time in jail, as he has already served over a year in custody.

Judge tells Slater: ‘Your rehabilitation will not be easy’ after guilty plea on multiple charges

Judge Glen Cash handed down the sentencing at the Maroochydore District Court, expressing concern over Michael Slater’s long-standing struggle with alcoholism. “Your rehabilitation will not be easy — alcoholism is part of your make-up,” the judge told the former Test opener.

A list of serious charges

• According to ABC Sport, Slater was convicted of several offences including:
• Domestic violence
• Unlawful stalking or intimidation
• Night-time break-in with intent
• Common assault
• Assault occasioning bodily harm
• Choking or suffocation

The court also heard that Slater threatened self-harm and warned the victim not to report the harassment. The victim described feeling “extremely fearful and exhausted” by his actions.

Prosecution highlights alcohol abuse

The prosecution said Slater’s violent behaviour was consistently linked to alcohol abuse. “The alcohol was a repeating feature with his offending as his behaviour becomes more erratic,” the court was told.

Slater’s lawyer argued against the prosecution’s call for a five-year sentence with parole after three, citing his client’s improved mental state and year-long abstinence from alcohol in custody. “He is calm, lucid and insightful,” the lawyer said of the 55-year-old.

Slater’s international cricket record

Michael Jonathon Slater, born on 21 February 1970, is a former Australian cricketer and television presenter. He represented the Australian national team in 74 Test matches and 42 One Day Internationals. Slater was also a member of the Australian team that finished as the runners-up in the 1996 Cricket World Cup.

Michael Slater made his international debut in 1993 and had a notable career in Test cricket.
Here’s a quick look at his stats:

Format	Matches	Runs	Average	100s	50s
Tests	74	5312	42.83	14	21
ODIs	42	987	24.07	0	8

His final appearance for Australia came during the 2001 Ashes series in England.

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