Former Australian cricketer Michael Slater refused bail on domestic violence charges

Allegations of crawling over a kitchen bench, ‘incessant’ messages and strangulation have been heard in court where former professional cricketer Michael Slater was refused bail.

Former Australian cricket legend Michael Slater has collapsed after he was refused bail on multiple domestic violence charges on the Sunshine Coast.

The 54-year-old batsman, who played 74 test matches and 42 one day internationals for Australia in the 1990s and 2000s, spent several days in custody after his arrest on multiple charges including four of common assault, choking, enter dwelling at night by break and unlawful stalking.

During his career the Wagga Wagga born man usually batted at the top of the order for Australia, however he was one of the last matters to be heard in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

Slater appeared in the dock while in custody dressed in a matching watch house green shirt and pants with no shoes and sported short grey hair.

Slater spent several days in custody after his arrest. Picture: Patrick Woods

Duty lawyer Michael Robinson tendered multiple documents to magistrate Raelene Ellis, including a letter from Sydney psychiatrist doctor Michael Atherton, the same name as a former English cricketer who coincidentally played in the same era as Slater.

Mr Robinson proposed a “major intervention” for Slater in the form of a rehab facility at Bronte in Sydney’s eastern suburbs to address his behaviour.

In Dr Atherton’s letter, the psychiatrist identified Slater’s mental health conditions which caused the retired cricketer to act in an “impulsive, reckless and uncharacteristic manner”.

The court heard Slater was still subject to a two-year community correction order in November 2022, where his previous lawyer submitted moving to Queensland as part of his defence case. Mr Robinson said there were no ongoing reporting requirements.

Mr Robinson said Slater had a confirmed booking to go to the Sydney Clinic for rehabilitation prior to his arrest and still had a bed available if released from custody, only needing to return to his leased Noosa Heads home for clothing.

Slater batting against in England during the 1995 Ashes at Adelaide Oval.

The defence lawyer said the allegations of violence were denied by the 54-year-old and would be defended.

Police prosecutor Brendan Newman argued for Slater to be remanded in custody, and said his alleged offending was over a period of months which allegedly involved “incessant” calls and texts and serious acts of violence.

This publication revealed on Monday most of Slater’s charges related to two separate alleged incidents on December 6, 2023 and April 12.

Police allege in court documents assaulted a woman and choked her when she came to check on his welfare at his Noosa Heads home on December 6, 2023 when he accused her of being with other men.

Police allege in court documents Slater then arrived at the woman’s home about 9.50pm on April 12 slapped her kitchen window and demanded to be let inside before he broke the glass.

Slater listened intently while in the court dock on Tuesday during his bail application. Picture: Patrick Woods

“You have done this ... f---ing open the door,” Sergeant Newman said Slater allegedly told the woman.

The police prosecutor focused his argument on CCTV which captured the alleged break in where Slater was allegedly seen as aggressive, held a “threatening stance” and said words through “gritted teeth”.

He said the alleged victim was “clearly scared” for her safety when Slater climbed through the smashed window and continued to yell at her.

Sergeant Newman said in the CCTV, Slater was seen to “crawl over the kitchen bench” and “jumped down onto the floor” where he allegedly accosted the woman.

The stalking charge related to Slater allegedly texting the woman between December 5, 2023 and April 13 partnered with unsolicited visits to her home.

Sergeant Newman referenced media reports where it showed it was “not his first rodeo” of going to rehab after committing offences.

Ms Ellis said there was a risk Slater would spend too much time in custody on his charges but believed medical reports did not go far enough to mitigate risks of reoffending and refused Slater’s bail.

The fallen cricket star held his head in his hands as his matter was adjourned to May 31.

The 54-year-old then collapsed in front of police as he was led away to custody.

Since his retirement from cricket in 2004, Slater commentated on international and domestic cricket in Australia and abroad.