Former Australia batsman David Warner has been convicted and fined A$1,500 ($1,065) for drink-driving after a Sydney court heard details of his arrest in April.
Warner pleaded guilty at Waverley Local Court after failing a roadside breath test during the Easter weekend. Police stopped him while he was driving his family home from a social gathering in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.
The 39-year-old recorded a blood-alcohol level more than twice the legal limit.
Court Hears Details of Incident
The court heard that Warner stopped his vehicle after seeing a roadside breath-testing operation. He then attempted to swap seats with a female passenger.
Judge Clare Farnan said Warner was unlikely to commit another offence. However, she stressed that drink-driving remains a major factor in road crashes across New South Wales.
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The judge also noted that children were inside Warner’s vehicle when the offence occurred. Their presence aggravated the offence, according to the court.
Warner Faces Driving Restriction
As part of the court’s decision, Warner must install an alcohol interlock device in his vehicle.
The device prevents a car from starting if it detects alcohol in the driver’s system. The requirement adds another restriction following his conviction.
Warner left the court without speaking to reporters, despite a large media presence outside.
His management did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.
Lawyer Cites Media Impact
Before the ruling, Warner’s lawyer, Awais Ahmad, asked the court to consider the wider consequences Warner had already faced because of media coverage.
Australian media quoted Ahmad as saying the controversy had affected Warner’s commercial opportunities.
Warner currently works as a commentator for Fox Sports Australia. He recently joined the broadcaster’s coverage team for the Australia-Bangladesh Test in Darwin.
The former opener also serves as captain of Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League.
Cricket NSW Responds
Sydney Thunder is involved in a New South Wales government campaign that promotes safe driving and discourages drink-driving.
Cricket NSW did not comment directly on whether Warner would continue as Thunder captain.
However, the organisation said it strongly supports safe driving and takes drink-driving seriously.
“We continue to take this incident seriously, including educating all players on the importance of safe driving,” Cricket NSW said in a statement.
Warner played 112 Test matches and more than 250 limited-overs internationals for Australia. He ranks among the country’s most successful modern cricketers.
