Breaking! Michael Slater labelled as ‘domestic abuser’, convicted

Michael Slater: (Image Source: Twitter)

Former Australian cricketer, Michael Slater has found himself in deep trouble as he has been labelled as ‘domestic abuser’ by a magistrate. The latter found his activities against his ex-partner as violent and, thus, couldn’t be dismissed on mental health grounds.

For the unversed, the Australian cricketer was convicted on Wednesday due to common assault and breaching a restraining order. Besides, he also had two other offences to his name against a woman between April and September.

Reportedly, he labelled the woman as ‘unfaithful’ and also tried to grab her phone and then threatened to self-harm. The magistrate made a restraining order but despite that, the Australian tried to contact her more than 100 times, including on Whatsapp.

Slater opted to deal with the matter under a mental health plan, keeping in mind that another court allowed him to appear in April for separate offending.

However, magistrate Robyn Denes highlighted the fact that the offending involves domestic violence crimes. It also involves accusations of infidelity, demands to see phones and restrictions on who the woman could meet and speak to and threats of self-harm.

"It's all controlling behaviours," she said.

"Threats of self-harm can be viewed as controlling and intimidating conduct, making the other person responsible for the acts of the offender."

"I have not seen any indication (in the tendered material) that what he was doing was being a domestic abuser," the Manly magistrate said.

"In light of that, a conviction is required and would be expected by the community."

John Angius SC, however, argued that Slater’s charges could be dismissed on mental health grounds, while highlighting his recent diagnosis treatment for bipolar disorder.

"He should be given one more chance because his bipolar disorder had not been diagnosed at that time," Agius said.

The former Australian cricketer played 74 Tests for Australia and amassed 5312 runs at a stellar average of 42.83. Besides, he also represented Australia in 42 ODIs before calling it quits in 2004.