Former Australian cricketer Michael Slater has avoided jail time as domestic violence charges against him were dismissed on mental health grounds, following his appeal for the charges to be dealt with under the Mental Health Act.
Slater was detained by police and paramedics on Tuesday night and taken to a mental health facility on the northern beaches.
The 52-year who had previously sought treatment for his mental health issues and has spent over 100 days in a rehabilitation facility this year. He was due to appear before Waverley Local Court on Wednesday over the domestic violence charges.
Slater was charged last October with stalking and intimidation, and with using a mobile phone to harass his ex-partner. He was also charged with allegedly contravening an Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) in December.
His barrister Richard Pontello told the court last week that Slater suffered from several mental illnesses including major depressive disorder and ADHD at the time of the offending, but that he was in remission.
In court, the police prosecution opposed Slater’s application to have the charges dealt with under the Mental Health Act.
Magistrate Hudson acknowledged that Slater’s mental health had deteriorated in the lead up to the offences due to being stuck in India during the pandemic, and as a result of quarantine on his return home. Mr. Hudson also acknowledged Slater’s use of alcohol to deal with his depression following the breakdown of his relationship.
Mr. Hudson said there had been significant changes to Slater’s circumstances since his last offence in December 2021 and that he [Slater] “has a significant illness and has done significant work since that period of time, and he should be proud of that.”
Slater will remain subject to an AVO from his ex-partner for five years and will be required to abide by the Court’s ruling regarding his ordered treatment.
