Wagga-born former test cricketer Michael Slater sentenced over domestic violence and other offences

Michael Slater, born in Wagga, faced his sentencing in the Maroochydore District Court this week. Photo: Michael Slater/Twitter.

Wagga-born former Australian cricketer Michael Slater, 55, walked free from Maroochydore District Court on Tuesday (22 April) despite pleading guilty to seven charges that included domestic assault and stalking.

Although Slater was sentenced to four years in prison, the former test opener had his sentence suspended as he had already served over a year in custody.

The sentence will be suspended for five years, during which time Slater may return to custody if he reoffends during that time.

According to ABC News, Judge Cash noted Slater’s early guilty plea, which demonstrated cooperation and remorse. The court was also told of his battles with alcoholism.

Slater was raised in Wagga Wagga and attended the former Wagga Wagga Agricultural College.

While playing cricket in the town, he was selected to represent his state as part of the New South Wales Primary School Sports Association cricket team.

Slater then moved to Sydney in his late teenage years before representing Australia in over 100 international matches, scoring over 5000 runs, including 14 centuries.

After he retired from the sport, he had a successful career in media, including as a commentator for Channel Nine and a co-host of The Footy Show.

The former cricket star’s legal troubles have also caused headaches for Wagga Wagga City Council and Estella Public School.

In 2024, the council chose to rename a central sporting ground at Bolton Park that was dedicated to the former cricket opener.

Estella Public School has faced criticism after it chose to name one of its representative houses ‘Slater House’ when the school first opened in 2021.