Former Australian cricket great Michael Slater has collapsed in court after failing in his bid for freedom over an alleged domestic violence incident.
Police allegations against the former Test cricketer and commentator were detailed in court on Tuesday as Mr Slater applied for bail.
The 54-year-old has spent the past few days in the Maroochydore police watch house since his arrest at the weekend.
Some of the alleged violent acts were captured on CCTV cameras at the woman’s property, including his repeated alleged verbal abuse – screaming obscenities and abuse before smashing his way into the home.
Mr Slater, dressed in prison greens, placed his head in his hands upon learning his bail bid had been refused.
He then collapsed while being led back to the cells by Corrective Services staff.
Mr Slater is facing a raft of charges, including enter dwelling with intent by break at night, choking, assault occasioning bodily harm, stalking and breaching bail, alleged to have occurred on December 5, 2023 and on April 12 this year.
Legal Aid solicitor Michael Robinson on Tuesday told the court his client planned to reside in a rehab facility in Sydney if released from custody.
Maroochydore Magistrates Court was told Mr Slater denied any allegations of violence against the complainant.
“There’s documented evidence before the court that he will be out of the court’s jurisdiction and in a rehab facility,” Mr Robinson said.
Bail was opposed by police.
Police prosecutor Sergeant Brendan Newman said court orders, prior court sentences and grants of bail had not deterred Mr Slater.
The court was told part of Mr Slater’s alleged offending involved “serious” acts of violence against the complainant, some of which was captured on CCTV at the home.
Sergeant Newman said Mr Slater can allegedly be heard on the tape repeatedly screaming “f**k you” and verbally abusing the complainant, before smashing a window.
The victim was then allegedly assaulted in the home by Mr Slater, he said.
“She’s pleading with him to stop repeatedly, she’s in a state of undress, cowering, clearly scared for her safety,” Sergeant Newman told the court.
“We say the strength of the evidence is good.”
Bail was ultimately refused, with magistrate Raelene Ellis.
“Some of these offences were committed within 24 hours of the first court appearance date for other hours,” she said.
Mr Slater scored 5312 runs, playing 74 test matches and 42 one-day internationals for Australia between 1993 and 2001 over his cricketing career.
He then transitioned to commentary with Channels 7 and 9 after retiring.
Source: news.com.au
