David Warner, one of Australia's most decorated cricketers, has been convicted and fined A$1,500 for drink-driving after an April incident in Sydney. The 39-year-old's blood-alcohol reading was more than twice the legal limit.
A Sydney court found former Australia batsman David Warner guilty of drink-driving on Tuesday, imposing a A$1,500 fine following his arrest during the Easter weekend. Warner, who represented Australia in 112 test matches and over 250 limited-overs internationals, admitted to the charge after failing a roadside breath test while driving his family home from a social function in Sydney's eastern suburbs.
According to court proceedings at Waverley Local Court, Warner's blood-alcohol concentration exceeded twice the legal driving limit. Judge Clare Farnan noted that while Warner was unlikely to reoffend, the offence was particularly serious because children were present in the vehicle at the time. The court heard that Warner attempted to exchange seats with a female passenger upon seeing the breath-testing site.
As part of his penalty, Warner must install an interlock device in his vehicle, which will prevent the car from starting if alcohol is detected. The 39-year-old, who currently works as a commentator for Fox Sports Australia and captains Big Bash League team Sydney Thunder, departed the courtroom without addressing the assembled media. His legal representative had previously argued that Warner should be spared conviction due to the substantial negative media coverage affecting his commercial opportunities.
Cricket New South Wales released a statement emphasizing their commitment to road safety education and indicating the organisation takes the incident seriously. The governing body did not comment specifically on Warner's position as Sydney Thunder captain.
