Sydney: David Warner convicted and fined for drink-driving offence
Former Australia batter David Warner has been convicted and fined A$1,500 for drink-driving in Sydney. The court also mandated the installation of an interlock device in his vehicle. The incident occurred on Easter Sunday when Warner was stopped at a random breath-testing site.
Warner pleaded guilty to mid-range drink-driving after recording a blood alcohol reading that was more than twice the legal limit. Court proceedings at Waverley Local Court on Tuesday heard that Warner attempted to swap seats with a female passenger after spotting the breath-testing site.
Court proceedings and media attention
During the court hearing, Warner’s barrister, Awais Ahmad, argued that his client had already faced significant punishment due to extensive media coverage. Mr. Ahmad suggested that this media attention had negatively impacted Warner’s commercial opportunities, particularly in countries like India and Bangladesh, where he might seek to play in T20 franchise leagues with a prevalent “non-drinking culture.”
Mr. Ahmad questioned the decision by NSW Police to issue a press release about Warner’s arrest, given what he described as the unremarkable nature of the offence. He highlighted the “profound” media onslaught that followed, which included coverage from global outlets.
Judge Clare Farnan acknowledged the existence of “cruel social media commentary” directed at Warner and his wife, Candice Warner. However, she emphasised that the need to deter the public from drink-driving was paramount in her decision to convict him. The judge also noted that the offence was aggravated because children were present in the car at the time.
Judge Farnan stated, “I accept Mr Warner is unlikely to reoffend,” but added that “regrettably, drink-driving is still a significant factor in many crashes in New South Wales.” She mentioned that over 17,300 people had appeared before the court for mid-range drink-driving in the past five years.
Impact on cricketing career and future
Warner, who captains the Karachi Kings in the Pakistan Super League and the Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League, faces potential repercussions within his cricketing career. His lawyer indicated that his position as captain of the Sydney Thunder was under threat. The Thunder, along with other teams, is part of a state government campaign aimed at deterring drink-driving.
Cricket NSW, the owner of the Thunder, issued a statement affirming its commitment to safe driving. The organisation stated it “continues to take this incident seriously, including educating all players on the importance of safe driving.”
The interlock device, which Warner must install, will prevent his car from starting if it detects alcohol in his system. He will be able to drive once he applies for an interlock licence and has the device fitted to his car.
Warner was arrested while returning home from the subcontinent, where he had captained the Karachi Kings. He left the court without making any comments to the assembled media.
The court heard that Warner stopped his car after spotting a roadside testing site and attempted to swap seats with a female passenger on Easter Sunday.
Warner’s blood alcohol reading was 0.104, more than twice the legal limit, after he admitted to consuming three glasses of white wine before driving home.
Source: theguardian.com
