SYDNEY: Former Australia cricketer David Warner was convicted and fined A$1,500 ($1,065) for drink-driving on Tuesday after pleading guilty to an offence committed while driving his family home from a social event.
The 39-year-old was arrested in April after failing a roadside breath test during the Easter weekend in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.
Warner’s blood-alcohol reading was more than twice the legal limit, Waverley Local Court heard.
The court was told Warner stopped his vehicle after noticing a roadside breath-testing site and attempted to change seats with a female passenger.
Judge Clare Farnan said she accepted that Warner was unlikely to reoffend but stressed that drink-driving remained a significant factor in crashes across New South Wales.
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The offence was considered more serious because children were travelling in the vehicle at the time.
Interlock device ordered
Warner will be required to install an alcohol interlock device in his vehicle, preventing it from starting if alcohol is detected in his system.
His lawyer had argued against recording a conviction, saying extensive media coverage had already affected Warner’s commercial opportunities.
Warner left court without speaking to reporters.
The former opener represented Australia in 112 Tests and more than 250 limited-overs internationals. He currently works as a commentator for Fox Sports Australia and captains Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League.
Cricket New South Wales said it took the incident seriously and remained a strong advocate for safe driving, including avoiding drink-driving.
The organisation did not comment on Warner’s position as Sydney Thunder captain.
