Ex-Australian cricketer Michael Slater charged with more domestic violence offences

Former Australian cricketer Michael Slater has had fresh charges brought against him after his arrest on the Sunshine Coast as he remains in custody at one of Brisbane’s infamous jails.

Fresh charges have been levelled at fallen cricket star Michael Slater as he remains in custody at one of Brisbane’s most infamous jails.

The former Australian opening batsman’s matters were heard briefly in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Friday where he faces a slew of domestic violence charges stemming from incidents on the Sunshine Coast.

Court documents tendered during Slater’s bail application on April 16, which brought him to his knees when it was refused, state the 54-year-old allegedly assaulted and choked a woman who checked on his welfare at his Noosa Heads home on December 6, 2023.

Police allege Slater broke into a woman’s home at night on April 12 before he accosted her.

Network 7 cricket commentators Mel McLaughlin, Ricky Ponting and Michael Slater during the first Test match between Australia and India on December 7, 2018. Picture: Dave Hunt

Slater was also charged with stalking after he allegedly sent about 300 messages calling her an “escort” and a “slut” and threatening suicide through voice messages.

He was charged with more than a dozen offences including assault occasioning bodily harm, choking and strangulation, four charges of common assault, entering dwelling at night by break, unlawful stalking and breaching bail conditions.

The court heard during his bail application that Slater denied the allegations of violence and would defend them.

Slater spent several days in the Maroochydore watch-house before his bail application was heard and refused.

Defence lawyer Troy Krahenbring appeared by phone in court on Friday and asked for a full brief of evidence. Slater’s appearance wasn’t required.

The court heard Slater had been charged with two offences from December 10, 2023 and March 13, bringing the total count to 25.

Slater did not appear in court when his case was mentioned on Friday. Picture: Patrick Woods

Police prosecutor Jeanette Grigoris said the fresh charges were another choking offence and common assault.

Sergeant Grigoris asked for Slater to appear by video at his next court appearance to hear the fresh charges, while amendments were needed for original offences.

The court was told Slater was currently at Arthur Gorrie Correctional Centre in Brisbane’s southwestern suburb of Darra.

Acting magistrate Patricia Kirkman-Scroope adjourned Slater’s matters to July 19.

The 54-year-old batsman played 74 Test matches and 42 one day internationals for Australia from 1993 to 2001 before he retired in 2004. He averaged 42.83 runs at Test level.

He commentated on international and domestic cricket in Australia and abroad following his retirement. He was most notably axed by Channel 9 in 2021.

Originally published as Ex-Australian cricketer Michael Slater charged with more domestic violence offences