Former Australian cricket Michael Slater next to the late Shane Warne during their stint as cricket commentators. Picture: William West / AFP
Former Australian Test cricketer Michael Slater reportedly collapsed in an Australian court on Tuesday after being refused bail on more than a dozen charges, including some relating to stalking.
The 54-year-old had to be helped to his feet by court staff after falling to the floor when a Queensland magistrate turned down his bail application, local media reported.
The television commentator and former batsman is accused of domestic violence offences as well as common assault and unlawful stalking.
Among the allegations against him, police said Slater sent unwanted text messages and made intimidating phone calls over the last six months.
Former Australian cricketer Michael Slater has collapsed inside a Sunshine Coast Court today, moments after his request for freedom was denied. @inglis_cam #9News pic.twitter.com/fQl0sUOePO
— 9News Queensland (@9NewsQueensland) April 16, 2024
He is due to appear in court again at the end of May.
The court heard Slater has mental health conditions that can result in "impulsive and reckless" behaviour, ABC News reported.
Slater played 74 Test matches from 1993-2001, chalking up more than 5,000 runs for Australia including 14 centuries.
He also played 42 one-day internationals before retiring from all cricket in 2004.
Slater was dumped from the Seven Network's cricket commentary team last month in 2021 after three years with the Australian broadcaster.
The 51-year-old caused controversy in May that year after a furious tirade against Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on social media.
Slater said Morrison had "blood on (his) hands" after the government temporarily banned Australians from returning home from India as the Asian nation battled a major Covid-19 outbreak.
AFP
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