Former Australia opening batter David Warner has been convicted and fined $1,066 on Tuesday (August 18) over a mid-range drink-driving charge he had pleaded guilty to last month. Alongside the fine, the court has also ordered him to have an interlock device fitted in his car — a mechanism that stops the vehicle from starting if it detects alcohol in the driver’s system. The incident took place in New South Wales (NSW) on Easter Sunday. Notably, Warner also captains the Sydney Thunder in the BBL, a franchise managed by NSW Cricket — the same body that has partnered on campaigns against drink-driving.
David Warner’s Drink-Drive Case Timeline
Warner was at home in Australia on a break from the Pakistan Super League (PSL) over Easter. He had attended a family function, along with his children. After the event, he decided to drive his family home, having had three glasses of wine.
On spotting a breath-testing site, Warner reportedly tried to switch seats with a female co-passenger after pulling up short of it. Police later identified him as the driver, and he cooperated with them from that point on. Warner went on to plead guilty to the offence last month.
Announcing her decision to convict the batter, Judge Clare Farnan said: “I accept Mr Warner is unlikely to reoffend. [But] regrettably, drink-driving is still a significant factor in many crashes in NSW.”
As part of her order, Judge Farnan also directed Warner to have an interlock device fitted in his car for a year, which will prevent the vehicle from starting if alcohol is detected in the driver’s system.
What Next for Warner?
The incident, according to Warner’s lawyer Awais Ahmad, has had “consequences… profound,” with the lawyer noting that commercial opportunities are being affected as a result.
NSW Cricket also responded to the judgment, with a spokesperson saying: “We continue to take this incident seriously, including educating all players on the importance of safe driving.”
Whether Warner continues as captain of the Sydney Thunder franchise following his conviction remains to be seen.