Cricketer Michael Slater Freed After Prison Term for Domestic Violence Charges

Michael Slater, the former Australian cricketer and commentator, received a four-year prison sentence on Tuesday for multiple offenses, including domestic violence and stalking, but was released immediately due to time already served. The sentence was partially suspended, reflecting the 375 days Slater spent in custody.
Slater, aged 55, faced over a dozen charges, such as unlawful stalking, intimidation, breaking into a residence at night, common assault, assault causing bodily harm, and choking. The Maroochydore District Court heard from prosecutors that alcohol played a significant role in Slater’s erratic behavior, exacerbating his offenses.
Slater’s threats of self-harm were used to deter the victim, a woman from Queensland’s Noosa region, from reporting his harassment. The court learned she endured extreme fear and exhaustion due to his actions, which included alleged assault, strangulation, burglary, and stalking since late 2023. The victim’s identity was not disclosed.
Judge Glen Cash labeled Slater an alcoholic, noting that his path to rehabilitation would be challenging. “Alcoholism is part of your make up,” Cash stated, emphasizing the difficulty of recovery.
The prosecution pushed for a five-year sentence with parole eligibility after three years, while Slater’s defense argued for a three-year term with immediate parole, citing the choking incident as less severe. Slater’s lawyer highlighted his client’s sobriety and clear-mindedness during custody, describing him as “calm, lucid, and insightful.”
Judge Cash acknowledged Slater’s early guilty plea as evidence of cooperation and remorse, influencing the sentencing decision. Slater, a former right-handed opener, played 74 Test matches and 42 ODIs for Australia between 1993 and 2003.