Michael Slater Receives Four-Year Suspended Prison Sentence After Pleading Guilty to Domestic Violence Charges

Michael Slater, the former Australian Test cricketer, has been sentenced to four years in prison after pleading guilty to multiple domestic violence charges, including two counts of choking, common assault, burglary, and stalking. The charges stem from a series of incidents that occurred in late 2023 on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, where Slater's abusive behavior toward a woman escalated to severe physical violence, including attempts at strangulation while under the influence of alcohol.

The Maroochydore District Court delivered its verdict on April 22, 2025, with Judge Glen Cash acknowledging Slater's remorse and his guilty plea. Due to the fact that Slater, now 55 years old, had already spent over a year in custody awaiting trial, the remainder of his sentence was suspended for five years. As a result, Slater was released from prison immediately but faces the risk of being returned to custody if he commits another serious offense during the suspension period.

The court heard that alcohol misuse played a central role in Slater’s offending, contributing to increasingly erratic behavior. Prosecutors presented evidence of ongoing harassment, including hundreds of abusive messages sent to the victim in the months before the arrest. During the proceedings, the psychological impact on the victim was highlighted, with the victim reporting feelings of fear and exhaustion from Slater’s ongoing threats and harassment.

Slater’s legal team also referenced his long-standing mental health struggles, with a history of alcohol use disorder being noted by both the defense and the court. Following the domestic violence sentencing, Slater pleaded guilty to a separate drink and drug driving charge and was cleared for release after finalizing those proceedings. The case marks a significant downfall for the former cricket star and raises renewed concerns about the intersection of mental health and criminal accountability in high-profile cases.