MAROOCHYDORE, Australia — Michael Slater, a former Australian Test cricketer, has been sentenced to four years in jail following his admission of guilt regarding domestic violence charges. However, he will soon be released due to the time he has already served in prison. The sentence was handed down on Tuesday at the Maroochydore District Court in Queensland, located north of Brisbane. The remainder of Slater’s term is suspended for a five-year period.
The 55-year-old Slater was initially placed in custody last year after his bail was denied. He faced multiple charges, including unlawful stalking or intimidation, breaking and entering with intent at night, common assault, assault occasioning bodily harm, and choking or suffocation.
These incidents took place between December 2023 and April of the prior year. Slater was also charged with violating a domestic violence order during this time.
Slater’s cricket career began with his international debut for Australia in 1993. He played in 73 Test matches, amassing 5,312 runs with an impressive average nearing 43. In addition, he participated in 42 One Day Internationals before retiring in 2004, transitioning into a television commentary career.
In 2022, Slater had earlier domestic violence charges dismissed by a Sydney court due to mental health considerations. He was required to partake in a year-long treatment plan supervised by a medical professional. The court was informed that Slater had been diagnosed with several conditions, including major depressive disorder, alcohol addiction, borderline personality disorder, and ADHD.