Former Australia batter David Warner has been convicted and fined A$1,500 (approx. US$1,065) for drink-driving by a Sydney court after pleading guilty to an offence dating back to April. The 39-year-old was also ordered to have an alcohol interlock device fitted to his vehicle following the proceedings at Waverley Local Court.
Warner failed a breath test during the Easter weekend while driving his family home from a social function in Sydney’s eastern suburbs. His blood-alcohol reading was more than twice the legal limit, while the presence of children in the vehicle was considered an aggravating factor in the offence.
Court imposes fine and interlock requirement
Waverley Local Court heard that Warner stopped his vehicle after seeing a roadside breath-testing site and attempted to change seats with a female passenger. Judge Clare Farnan addressed the circumstances of the offence before the court imposed its penalties.
In comments published by Australian media, Farnan told the court, “I accept Mr Warner is unlikely to re-offend.”
Farnan added, “(But) regrettably, drink-driving is still a significant factor in many crashes in New South Wales.”
As part of the court-imposed measures, Warner will be required to use an interlock device that prevents his vehicle from starting if it detects alcohol in his system.
Warner’s lawyer raises commercial impact
Before the court handed down its decision, Warner’s Lawyer Awais Ahmad argued that his client should avoid a conviction because publicity surrounding the case had already resulted in additional consequences.
Ahmad told the court, in comments published by Australian media, “Commercial opportunities (are) being affected.”
Warner remains active in cricket following an international career in which he represented Australia in 112 Tests and more than 250 limited-overs internationals. He works as a commentator for Fox Sports Australia and was part of the broadcaster’s coverage of the recent Australia-Bangladesh Test in Darwin.
He also captains Big Bash League franchise Sydney Thunder. The club is involved in a New South Wales state government campaign aimed at discouraging drink-driving, placing Warner’s conviction alongside one of the public-safety initiatives associated with his current team.
Cricket NSW responds to Warner conviction
Cricket New South Wales did not provide a position on whether Warner would remain Sydney Thunder Captain when asked following the court proceedings. The organisation instead reiterated its broader stance on the issue.
Cricket NSW said in a statement, “Our organisation is a strong advocate of safe driving, including avoiding drink driving.”
The organisation added, “We continue to take this incident seriously, including educating all players on the importance of safe driving.”
