In a sensational judgment, former Australian cricketer Michael Slater was allowed to walk free despite serious charges for which he even pleaded guilty including domestic violence.
Slater was allowed to walk free after serving one year in custody, and as per the latest reports in ABC Sport, his sentence was “partly suspended" due to the time served.
The former Australian cricketer had over a dozen charges against him that included domestic violence, unlawful stalking or intimidation, breaking into a dwelling with intent at night, common assault, assault occasioning bodily harm, and choking or suffocation. All these pointed towards some heinous crimes committed by the former Australian cricketer.
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Michael Slater's Prosecutor Proved Charges Against Him In Court
To add to that Slater's prosecutor told the Maroochydore District Court that he did everything under the influence of alcohol, adding alcohol “was a repeating feature with his offending as his behaviour becomes more erratic."
There were further reports of Michael Slater self-harming himself and threatening the victim not to report cases against him.
“The court heard Slater made threats of self-harm as he warned the victim not to report harassment and she felt extremely fearful and exhausted by Slater’s behaviour," the report read.
The verdict on Michael Slater's case was announced by Judge Glen Cash, who said that Slater was an alcoholic and warned that his rehabilitation “will not be easy."
“Your rehabilitation will not be easy — alcoholism is part of your make up," Cash said.
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Judge Glen Cash Allowed Michael Salater To Walk Free
There was a lot of courtroom battle between the prosecutor and Michael Slater's lawyer. While the prosecutor asked for a five-year sentence, Slater's lawyer said that choking is not amongst the most heinous of crimes. He further said that Slater was “calm, lucid and insightful" during his 375 days in custody having refrained from alcohol.
Meanwhile, the identity of the victim has not been disclosed for obvious reasons. However, it has been found out that she was a resident of the Noosa region from Queensland. It has also been reported that she was allegedly being subjected to “assault, strangulation, burglary and stalking" since late 2023.
Finally, Judge Cash was of the conclusion that Slater's guilty plea was a sign of his “cooperation and remorse," which is why he was allowed to walk free in the end. Michael Slater played 74 Tests and 42 ODIs between 1993 and 2003.
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