SYDNEY: Former Australia batsman David Warner was convicted and fined A$1,500 ($1,065) by a Sydney court on Tuesday for drink-driving after being arrested in April.
The 39-year-old pleaded guilty at Waverley Local Court after failing a roadside breath test during the Easter weekend. He was driving his family home from a social event in Sydney’s eastern suburbs when police stopped him.
Warner’s blood-alcohol level was more than twice the legal limit.
Warner Tried to Swap Seats
The court heard that Warner stopped his vehicle after noticing a roadside breath-testing operation and attempted to swap seats with a female passenger.
Judge Clare Farnan said Warner was unlikely to commit the offence again but stressed the seriousness of drink-driving.
“Regrettably, drink-driving is still a significant factor in many crashes in New South Wales,” the judge said, according to Australian media.
She added that the offence was aggravated because children were travelling in the vehicle at the time.
Interlock Device Ordered
As part of the penalty, Warner will be required to install an alcohol interlock device in his vehicle.
The device prevents a car from starting if it detects alcohol in the driver’s system.
Warner left the court without speaking to the large group of media waiting outside. His management did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Before the ruling, Warner’s lawyer, Awais Ahmad, had argued that his client should avoid a conviction because the incident had already resulted in significant consequences through media coverage.
Australian media quoted Ahmad as saying that Warner’s “commercial opportunities” were being affected.
Warner Remains Active in Cricket
Warner remains involved in Australian cricket despite retiring from international cricket.
He works as a commentator for Fox Sports Australia and was part of the broadcaster’s team covering the recent Australia-Bangladesh Test in Darwin.
He is also captain of Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League.
The team is involved in a New South Wales government campaign aimed at discouraging drink-driving.
Cricket NSW said it took the incident seriously and reiterated its commitment to road safety.
“Our organisation is a strong advocate of safe driving, including avoiding drink driving,” Cricket NSW said.
We continue to take this incident seriously, including educating all players on the importance of safe driving.
Warner played 112 Test matches and more than 250 limited-overs internationals for Australia and is regarded as one of the country’s most successful modern cricketers.
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