Cricketer Michael Slater appears in court from jail on domestic violence charges

Former Australian cricketer Michael Slater has emerged clean shaven from his Qld jail cell for a colourful video appearance in court on stalking and strangulation charges.

Fallen cricket star Michael Slater has been seen in jail for the first time since being refused bail on domestic violence charges.

The swashbuckling former Australian batsman, 54, is in custody on remand as the case against him progresses through Maroochydore Magistrates Court.

Slater 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 former cricket commentator appeared in court via video on Friday from Brisbane’s Arthur Gorrie jail, represented by defence lawyer Troy Krahenbring by phone.

Prior to Slater appearing on video, the court heard administrative changes needed to occur to some charges.

Slater is charged with multiple offences. Picture: Patrick Woods

This week’s appearance was Slater’s first in court by video from jail after he was refused bail on April 16, a moment which brought the former batsman to his knees.

The 54-year-old struck a more clean-cut figure in court on Friday, sporting a freshly shaved face while nodding intently during his mention.

Police prosecutor Amanda Brewer told the court dates on several charges needed to be amended.

The court heard Slater’s assault occasioning bodily harm and common assault offences were changed from December 6, 2023 to December 10, 2023.

Magistrate Matthew McLaughlin said two more charges of common assault and one of choking had their dates changed from December 6, 2023 to December 26, 2023.

Slater played for Australia as a top order batsman throughout the 1990s and 200s. Picture: David Kapernick

This was the same day the Australian cricket team played against Pakistan in the annual Boxing Day test at the MCG in Melbourne last year.

Sergeant Brewer said an amendment was also made to Slater’s strangulation charge which had the alleged victim’s name twice.

Mr McLaughlin asked Slater if he understood the changes to his charges.

“I do, I’m confused as to how the dates were wrong initially but yes, I understand,” Slater replied.

The court heard police had completed the brief of evidence which was sent to Mr Krahenbring.

Slater continually nodded as the magistrate described the next steps of his case.

Mr McLaughlin then adjourned Slater’s matter to August 16.

“Alright thank you Your Honour, yes thank you,” the 54-year-old replied.

His video link was terminated, and Mr Krahenbring hung up.

“He invented the gesture of kissing the helmet at a century, happens all over the world,” Mr McLaughlin said to lawyers at the bar table.

Slater kissing his helmet while celebrating his century against England at the Sydney Cricket Ground in 1999.

Police allege the Wagga Wagga-born man allegedly assaulted and choked a woman who checked on his welfare at his Noosa Heads home on December 6, 2023.

Slater was then accused of breaking into a woman’s home at night on April 12 before he accosted her.

It’s further alleged Slater stalked a woman, which included sending about 300 messages calling her an “escort” and a “slut” and threatening suicide through voice messages.

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

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.

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Originally published as Cricketer Michael Slater appears in court from jail on domestic violence charges