Former Australian cricket star Michael Slater, currently embroiled in multiple domestic violence-related charges, has proposed relocating to another state for rehabilitation treatment, a court has heard.
Slater, once a prominent Test cricketer and commentator, faces serious accusations, including assault and choking a woman during a series of alleged violent incidents spanning several months. He is also accused of sending her hundreds of abusive and demeaning messages.
Since his arrest in April of this year, Slater has been held in custody. During a bail hearing on Tuesday, his legal team argued that the 54-year-old had secured a place in a residential rehabilitation facility in New South Wales. Barrister Greg McGuire mentioned that Slater would move out of the state entirely to undergo treatment if granted bail, with additional restrictions placed on his alcohol consumption and a ban on contacting the complainant.
The Brisbane Supreme Court was informed that a criminal trial might not take place until 2025. Mr. McGuire expressed concern that Slater could spend an excessive amount of time in custody before the case is resolved. He proposed that Slater should stay at the Sydney clinic until deemed fit to leave, after which he would live with his sister in regional New South Wales.
McGuire also pointed out that Slater was battling a severe alcohol addiction at the time of the alleged offences. He stated that Slater has now confronted the consequences of his actions, having already spent 4.5 months in custody.
Slater is facing over a dozen charges, including breaking and entering at night, choking, assault causing bodily harm, stalking, and violating bail conditions. These alleged offences occurred between December 5, 2023, and April 12, 2024.
According to police reports, Slater sent the woman hundreds of messages, repeatedly insulting her and threatening self-harm. He is also accused of tampering with her home’s CCTV camera and breaking into her house, where he allegedly assaulted her by grabbing her arm and choking her on two separate occasions.
Supreme Court Justice Paul Freeburn ultimately denied Slater's bail request, citing his history of domestic violence. Justice Freeburn acknowledged that the allegations were backed by some evidence and noted the persistent nature of the offences. He also highlighted the risk of Slater committing further offences.
The court was informed that Slater has a long history of mental health issues, including ADHD, major depressive disorder, insomnia, alcohol use disorder, and borderline personality disorder. Despite previous protection orders, Slater had not been deterred from reoffending, leading Justice Freeburn to question his ability to adhere to any bail conditions, even in Sydney.
Slater is scheduled to return to court in September.