WEB DESK: Former Australia batter and TV commentator Michael Slater has been sentenced after pleading guilty to domestic violence charges.
A 54-year-old former Australian cricketer has been sentenced to four years in prison but will be released after spending more than 12 months in custody, due to a partially suspended term.
Slater was convicted in relation to multiple domestic violence offences that occurred on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast from December 2023 to April 2024. The charges included serious allegations of assault, strangulation, burglary, and stalking involving a woman.
During the sentencing, Judge Glen Cash highlighted Slater’s battle with alcoholism, stating, “It’s obvious that you are an alcoholic. Your rehabilitation will not be easy, alcoholism is part of your make-up.” In a previous legal matter, Slater received a two-year community corrections order from a Sydney court in late 2022 after pleading guilty to common assault and attempted stalking charges.
Slater, who enjoyed a successful cricket career from 1993 to 2001, represented Australia in 74 Test matches, accumulating over 5,000 runs which included 14 centuries and 21 half-centuries, in addition to scoring nine fifties in 42 one-day internationals.
He also had a stint in English county cricket with Derbyshire. After retiring from professional play, Slater transitioned into a career as a cricket commentator, starting with Channel 4 in the UK before moving to Australia. However, his commentary career faced challenges, including being dropped by the Seven Network in 2021.
