Ex-Test cricketer Michael Slater collapses after court refuses bail over alleged domestic violence offences
Former Australian Test cricketer Michael Slater has reportedly collapsed in a Queensland court after he was refused bail over alleged domestic violence offences.
Slater is facing 19 charges relating to alleged offences perpetrated on the Sunshine Coast on various dates between December 5, 2023 and April 12.
The 54-year-old was represented by Legal Aid in his bid for freedom at Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Tuesday after a brief mention in the same court the previous day.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.He has spent the past few days in the Maroochydore police watch house since his arrest at the weekend.
Legal Aid solicitor Michael Robinson told the court on Tuesday his client planned to reside in a rehab facility in Sydney if released from custody, NCA Newswire reports.
Police opposed the bail application, with police prosecutor Sergeant Brendan Newman saying court orders, prior court sentences and grants of bail had not deterred Slater from offending.
Slater is charged with domestic violence offences of unlawful stalking or intimidation, breaking into a dwelling with intent at night, common assault, assault occasioning bodily harm and choking or suffocation.
The former opening batsman and TV commentator is also charged with breaching bail and 10 counts of contravening a domestic violence order.
The court was told that part of Slater’s alleged offending involved “serious” acts of violence against the complainant, including verbal abuse, some of which was captured on CCTV at the home.
Magistrate Raelene Ellis ultimately refused bail, telling the court some of the offences “were committed within 24 hours of the first court appearance date”.
When his bail was refused, Slater, dressed in prison greens, placed his hands in his head. He then reportedly collapsed while being led back to the cells by Corrective Services staff.
His case is due to be mentioned in the same court on May 31.
Before his fall from grace, Slater was a star of Australian cricket as a player and commentator across multiple formats of the game.
He made his playing debut during the 1993 Ashes tour and would play 74 Tests for Australia, amassing 5312 runs at an average of 42.83 with 14 centuries. He also played 42 one-day internationals.
Slater retired from cricket in 2004, embarking on a TV commentary career with Channel 9 and later Channel 7.
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