Latest news with #MichaelSlater
ABC News
24-05-2025
- Sport
- ABC News
Janel Shorthouse
Although known to be capable swimmers, a potential one-kilometre ocean swim by an echidna has landed it in hospital. 3h ago 3 hours ago Sat 24 May 2025 at 8:48am Flu infections across the state are already 36 per cent higher than this time last year and health authorities are warning of a tough winter ahead. Thu 22 May Thu 22 May Thu 22 May 2025 at 9:51am Researchers believe experiences of awe — often triggered by hearing whales rather than just seeing them — can inspire intentions to recycle more, reduce waste and support ocean conservation efforts. Thu 15 May Thu 15 May Thu 15 May 2025 at 1:11am The world's best bodysurfers flocked to the Sunshine Coast to push the limits of the sport. Among them was Australian Olympic legend Susie O'Neill. Fri 9 May Fri 9 May Fri 9 May 2025 at 5:35am A community environment group has found wildlife on an isolated section of land cut off from Bribie Island and fears coastal erosion will destroy its habitat. Wed 30 Apr Wed 30 Apr Wed 30 Apr 2025 at 3:55am Former Australian Test cricketer and television host Michael Slater has been sentenced to four years in prison yet has walked free after already serving more than a year in custody. Tue 22 Apr Tue 22 Apr Tue 22 Apr 2025 at 8:44am Tewantin man Bradley Donald Towle, 41, allegedly behind Monday's fatal crash and a string of carjackings, has been charged with 15 offences. He will appear in court on Wednesday. Tue 22 Apr Tue 22 Apr Tue 22 Apr 2025 at 4:32am The LNP repeatedly promised to have trains running directly to Maroochydore by the 2032 Olympics but the rail line will now end about 13 kilometres away. Tue 25 Mar Tue 25 Mar Tue 25 Mar 2025 at 8:16pm With Cyclone Alfred approaching, the Mooloolaba Triathlon has been cancelled after the council revoked its permit. Tue 4 Mar Tue 4 Mar Tue 4 Mar 2025 at 4:31am Despite raising over $100,000 per bus, some communities are still waiting for Sleepbuses to become operational, leading to fears about the project's future. Wed 27 Nov Wed 27 Nov Wed 27 Nov 2024 at 9:57pm The Freeman siblings escaped the blaze with just the clothes they were wearing after feeling the heat and smelling smoke from the cabin next door. Tue 12 Nov Tue 12 Nov Tue 12 Nov 2024 at 5:51am In 2020, Labor turned two long-held blue seats red in the state's south east. Caloundra and Nicklin are again setting the scene for another knife-edge battle, which could determine who will hold government. Thu 24 Oct Thu 24 Oct Thu 24 Oct 2024 at 4:42am Girls as young as 14 are considering diets and cosmetic procedures after bouts of cyberbullying, researchers say. Sun 29 Sep Sun 29 Sep Sun 29 Sep 2024 at 1:37am Rangers say dingoes were loitering near a large family group fishing off the beach moments before a girl was attacked by a male dog on K'gari. Sat 17 Aug Sat 17 Aug Sat 17 Aug 2024 at 9:47pm In preparation for the Brisbane 2032 Olympics, organisers of the Sunshine Coast Marathon at Mooloolaba are aiming to double the number of entrants to 25,000, in a move that would see the course shift location. Fri 16 Aug Fri 16 Aug Fri 16 Aug 2024 at 10:43pm A Queensland charity has overcome a major setback after its trailer was stolen along with thousands of dollars' worth of clothing and sleeping bags, just hours before they were due to be donated to homeless people. Mon 29 Jul Mon 29 Jul Mon 29 Jul 2024 at 6:49am Renowned for its multi-million-dollar wedding industry, Queensland's Sunshine Coast hinterland hopes to add stargazing to its tourism drawcard. Sun 9 Jun Sun 9 Jun Sun 9 Jun 2024 at 5:29am The owners of a pet cat shot with an air rifle urge others to speak up about animal cruelty so perpetrators can be brought to justice. Wed 29 May Wed 29 May Wed 29 May 2024 at 7:39am The Federal Court grants an extension so the airline can try and avoid liquidation, meaning employees will remain stood down without pay and unable to accept other work for a further two months. Mon 27 May Mon 27 May Mon 27 May 2024 at 1:55am A drone with beefed up surveillance that can fly higher, further and faster than previous models is deployed to help protect the reef from outlaw anglers. Mon 15 Apr Mon 15 Apr Mon 15 Apr 2024 at 11:52pm The use and sale of a popular style of yabby net that a conservationist says regularly traps other wildlife could be banned, which would bring Queensland into line with other states. Fri 5 Apr Fri 5 Apr Fri 5 Apr 2024 at 1:07am Campers across south-east Queensland are not letting the threat of sodden days dampen their spirits ahead of the Easter long weekend. Thu 28 Mar Thu 28 Mar Thu 28 Mar 2024 at 12:22am Peter Lang, who was a prominent radio host on the Sunshine Coast, has been found guilty of charges including carnal knowledge of a girl under 16. Wed 13 Mar Wed 13 Mar Wed 13 Mar 2024 at 6:28am The iconic Noosa hinterland mountain race has been axed following a dispute between the organisers and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service. Sun 10 Mar Sun 10 Mar Sun 10 Mar 2024 at 3:21am A marine scientist says her experience on an old research vessel with women from around the world has brought home the need for greater focus on conservation and female leadership. Wed 6 Mar Wed 6 Mar Wed 6 Mar 2024 at 1:40am
News.com.au
03-05-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
Cricket NSW to review Michael Slater's Hall of Fame status as fall from grace continues
Cricket NSW will consider removing former Australian opener Michael Slater from the Hall of Fame and revoking his Life Member status following his domestic violence convictions. The 55-year-old last week received a suspended four-year prison sentence from Judge Glen Cash in Maroochydore District Court after pleading guilty to seven charges for a series of domestic violence offences that related to a woman in the Noosa region between December 2023 and March 2024, including two counts of choking, stalking, assault, and burglary. He was immediately released on a fully suspended sentence having already spent more than a year in custody. Slater, who represented Australia in 74 Tests and 42 ODIs from 1993 to 2001, was inducted into the Cricket NSW Hall of Fame in 2015 alongside Mollie Dive and Arthur Mailey. However, in the aftermath of his legal proceedings in Queensland, Cricket NSW confirmed to it would review Slater's status in the Hall of Fame and as a Life Member. Hall of Fame inductees are based on recommendations made to the Cricket NSW Board. Slater's fall from grace has sent shockwaves through his hometown of Wagga Wagga, which is grappling with how to appropriately celebrate the significant achievements of a sporting icon who has since tarnished its reputation. Last year, following a month-long debate, the Wagga Wagga City Council voted 4-3 in favour of renaming Michael Slater Oval, a cricket field that forms part of the city's Bolton Park sporting complex. Former Wagga Wagga mayor Rod Kendall argued against the move, attributing Slater's criminal behaviour to mental illness. The venue, located in the city centre, was named after Slater in 2014, seven years before he was first charged with domestic violence offences, while fellow international cricketers Mark Taylor and Geoff Lawson also have ovals named in their honour. 'There's a lot of sympathy for Slater in Wagga Wagga,' local councillor Jenny McKinnon told 'He's a Wagga boy. People know him and people know his family. People are sympathetic about the mental health issues he's had. 'At the same time, the convictions he has are for very serious matters and I think we need to be thinking about the victims of the crimes, and also what the messaging is for children who use those ovals. 'Slater still has his incredible sporting records. They can't be taken away from him.' The WWCC has yet to action any changes to the oval's name, postponing the decision-making process for nine months. 'A workshop for councillors to rediscuss a potential change to the oval's name will be held in the future, although a time for the workshop has not yet been set,' a WWCC spokesperson said in a statement to Disgruntled locals took matters into their own hands last year by spray-painting over the Michael Slater Oval sign, an act of vandalism McKinnon praised at the time. In March, anonymous vigilantes covered the sign with a big sticker that read 'End Domestic Violence', which the council promptly removed. 'Council responded very swiftly by covering up the amended sign and then removing it entirely in the same week as International Women's Week,' Wagga Wagga resident and local reporter Chris Roe explained to 'It was a surprising response.' Elsewhere, Wagga Wagga's Estella Public School will consider renaming one of its four sporting houses – Slater House – after receiving feedback from parents and community members. The sporting house names were chosen in consultation with the community when the school opened in 2021, before Slater's domestic violence charges came to light. 'Estella Public School has received some feedback from community members regarding the name of Slater House,' a NSW Department of Education spokesperson said in a statement to 'The issue will be discussed at the next P&C meeting.' When local media outlets reported on Estella Public School's Slater House last month, several parents expressed their anger online. Roe, who has two daughters in Slater House, contacted the school on multiple occasions to voice his concerns. 'It kicked off quite a furore,' Roe said of the social media backlash. 'I think given it's a new school, it's only four years old, maybe it's time that we change the name of the house. 'Who would it hurt to do that anyway?'
Daily Mail
02-05-2025
- Daily Mail
Fresh blow for disgraced cricket star Michael Slater who is set to be stripped of honours after domestic violence charges
Former Australian Test opener Michael Slater is facing the complete dismantling of his cricketing legacy following disturbing domestic violence convictions. Cricket NSW has confirmed it is reviewing Slater's inclusion in the Hall of Fame and his Life Member status after he pleaded guilty to a string of serious offences. The 55-year-old was sentenced to four years in prison by Judge Glen Cash in Maroochydore District Court, although the term was fully suspended due to time already served in custody. Slater had spent over a year in jail after being refused bail in 2024. The charges against him included two counts of choking, stalking, assault, burglary, and unlawful striking, all linked to a woman in the Noosa region between December 2023 and March 2024. In court, horrifying details of a months-long campaign of abuse emerged. On December 10, 2023, after a night of drinking, Slater accused the woman of infidelity before seizing her phone, kicking her, and unleashing a stream of slurs. He then wrapped his hands around her neck, shaking her violently, and struck her face, causing visible injuries. Just over two weeks later, on Boxing Day, he again attacked her - this time slamming her into a washing machine and choking her until she cried out that she couldn't breathe. Judge Cash told the former Test star, 'It's obvious, Mr Slater, that you are an alcoholic… Your rehabilitation will not be easy.' Court documents revealed Slater also sent hundreds of abusive messages, threatened suicide, and shared non-consensual intimate images. In one message, he wrote, 'You f***ing killed me.' In another, he threatened, 'I'll hang [my] skull at the front of [my] house.' On March 13, the woman's security camera captured Slater smashing a window and entering her home while yelling profanities and pouring himself a drink. Alarmed neighbours called police, and Slater was arrested at the scene. He was also fined $900 and disqualified from driving after pleading guilty to separate charges of drink driving and having cannabis in his system. While the court acknowledged his struggle with mental illness, prosecutors argued for a five-year sentence with parole after three years. His lawyer, Greg McGuire, urged the court to consider time served, saying Slater wished to return to New South Wales and had been alcohol-free for a year. Slater's fall from grace has shocked many, including his hometown of Wagga Wagga. The Wagga Wagga City Council voted 4–3 in favour of renaming the Michael Slater Oval, though the final decision has been delayed for nine months. Disgruntled locals vandalised the sign last year and later covered it with a sticker reading 'End Domestic Violence.' The council removed the sticker promptly during International Women's Week, drawing criticism from the community. Wagga councillor Jenny McKinnon acknowledged public sympathy for Slater's mental health struggles but stressed the seriousness of the convictions. 'People are sympathetic about the mental health issues he's had,' she said. 'At the same time, the convictions he has are for very serious matters.' Meanwhile, Estella Public School in Wagga Wagga is considering renaming its 'Slater House' after feedback from concerned parents. The house name was chosen in 2021 before Slater's criminal charges became public. A local reporter and parent, Chris Roe, said the backlash was swift and strong. 'It kicked off quite a furore,' Roe said. 'Maybe it's time we change the name… Who would it hurt to do that anyway?' Slater played 74 Tests and 42 ODIs for Australia from 1993 to 2001, scoring over 5000 Test runs and 14 centuries. He retired in 2004 and became a high-profile cricket commentator, working for Channel 9, Channel 7, Fox Sports, and Star Sports.
News.com.au
26-04-2025
- News.com.au
‘I can't breathe': Michael Slater sentenced after vicious attacks and months of abuse
Australian Test cricket star Michael Slater's tirade of alcohol-fuelled violence towards a woman - where he stalked, choked and assaulted her in a terrifying row - has been laid bare in court. Once on top of the cricketing world, Mr Slater's disturbing fall from grace culminated in a jail term, where he was sentenced to four years in jail for the series of violent and horrific domestic violence offences. But he was immediately released on a fully suspended sentence, having spent more than a year in pre-sentence custody. The 55-year-old pleaded guilty to seven charges in Maroochydore District Court on Tuesday, including two counts of choking a woman, stalking, assault, and burglary. The offences relate to repeated violent outbursts and controlling behaviour against a woman in the Noosa region between December 2023 and March 2024. Court documents viewed by NewsWire revealed the extent of the abuse, which included physical assaults, threatening behaviour, stalking, and the non-consensual recording of intimate images. In one of the violent incidents, on the night of December 10, 2023, the woman visited Slater at his home, where both had been drinking. As the evening wore on, Slater grew aggressive, lashing out over baseless suspicions that she had been with other men. The situation escalated quickly when he took her phone and kicked her in the left thigh, causing her to collapse onto the ground. Shortly after, while she was seated on the lounge, Slater leaned over her and pointed a finger in her face, berating her with slurs. 'You're out to ruin men's lives and put them in jail,' he said. 'You're a bitch, a slut. No wonder your ex hates you.' He then wrapped both hands around her throat and began shaking her violently. The woman struggled to breathe as he squeezed, leaving her with visible bruising around her neck. Slater then delivered a forceful blow to the left side of her face, sending her falling back into the lounge. The impact caused her ear to ring and her eye to swell immediately. Terrified, she fled the house. When she returned home, she discovered that Slater had removed the SIM card from her phone. She later said she was fearful of what he might do if she reported the abuse to police. Just over two weeks later, on Boxing Day, the woman visited Slater at his residence, where the pair had again been drinking. By around 6pm, Slater's emotional state had deteriorated dramatically. In a sudden outburst, he grabbed a bottle of vodka, lifted it above his head, and threatened her, yelling, 'I'll f--king kill you.' The woman retreated to the laundry and tried to close the door to get away from him. Slater forcefully slammed into the door, pushing her backwards into the washing machine. She felt immediate pain in her lower back. Slater then stormed into the room, placed both hands around her throat, and lifted her off the ground as he squeezed. She struggled to breathe and pleaded, 'I can't breathe, let me go, you're really hurting me.' The assault left her with bruising around her neck, and she later reported pain in her arms, back, and persistent headaches from the violent encounter. The woman also endured relentless emotional abuse, with Slater bombarding her with hundreds of degrading and threatening text messages. He repeatedly weaponised guilt and fear, threatening to kill himself if she ever went to police. In one chilling message, he wrote, 'You f--king killed me,' and in another, he vowed to 'hang [his] skull at the front of [his] house.' He also sent her a barrage of cruel insults, calling her a 'slut,' a 'dog,' and a 'stupid c--t,' while blaming her for his own violent behaviour. In February 2024, the woman attended a sauna, where she noticed Slater had arrived at the same time. He followed her into the sauna, sat beside her, and initiated a conversation. Uncomfortable, she moved to the cold plunge pool where two other women were present, but Slater followed, sat on the pool's edge, and remarked, 'This one needs to be held under the water for three minutes.' He then propositioned her for sex in the toilet, to which she responded, 'You're absolutely kidding me, aren't you?' Attempting to leave, she retrieved her belongings, but Slater stopped her at the exit and became angry over her rejection. Slater's harassment escalated into sexual humiliation. He sent the woman intimate images and a sex video, both filmed without her knowledge or consent, and used them to shame, control and intimidate her. On one occasion, he attached a photo and messaged her: 'This is how you turned up to my house.' Other texts threatened exposure, with comments like 'Omg. The shit I've got on you … You're f--ked'. The psychological torment continued well into 2024. On March 13, the woman received an alert on her phone from her home security system, notifying her that someone was at her front door. When she looked up, she was horrified to see Slater standing outside her kitchen window. CCTV footage captured him banging furiously on the glass while screaming, 'F--k you, f--k you, where's your daughter, f--k you.' A neighbour heard the commotion and walked over to the fence, witnessing Slater's violent outburst. The footage reportedly showed him punching the kitchen window with his fist, shattering the glass and sending shards across the floor, all while yelling, 'Open the door! You have done this! F--king open the door!' Moments later, Slater climbed through the broken window and entered the home, continuing to shout at the woman as he approached her inside. Inside the house, Slater continued his tirade, yelling, 'I f--king will smash you. You f--king put me in jail. I don't give a f--k anymore. I f--king asked you to open the door and you disappeared.' The incident was captured on the woman's security camera, and neighbours, alarmed by the shouting and smashing glass, contacted police. At one point, Slater grabbed the woman by the arm while she was standing in the study. He then opened the fridge, poured himself a glass of wine, and continued to berate her, shouting, 'You are the biggest f--k-up. You are a maniac. You're f--king lying,' while demanding she prove she'd had dinner with her daughter that evening. Police arrived about 15 minutes later and arrested him at the scene. The woman told police she was terrified to report the abuse, emotionally drained by the defendant's relentless messages, and deeply distressed by the impact on her mental health and his repeated threats of suicide. Judge Glen Cash sentenced Slater to four years' imprisonment, partially suspended after time served. Before being released, Slater also had to finalise matters from April 2024 in the Magistrates Court, where he pleaded guilty to driving over the general alcohol limit and driving with cannabis in his system.
Daily Mail
26-04-2025
- Daily Mail
Chilling details emerge of the extent of former Test cricket star Michael Slater's abuse
The disturbing downfall of former Australian Test cricketer Michael Slater has been laid bare in court, revealing months of alcohol-fuelled violence, stalking and threats against a woman in the Noosa region. The 55-year-old faced Maroochydore District Court, where he pleaded guilty to seven charges, including two counts of strangulation, stalking, assault, burglary, and unlawful striking. Judge Glen Cash sentenced Slater to four years in jail but immediately released him after time already served was taken into account, suspending the remainder of his sentence for five years. 'It's obvious, Mr Slater, that you are an alcoholic,' Judge Cash said. 'Your rehabilitation will not be easy. Alcoholism is part of your make-up.' Slater, who spent more than a year in custody after being refused bail in 2024, now risks returning to jail if he commits another serious offence within the next five years. Court documents revealed harrowing details of the months-long campaign of abuse between December 2023 and March 2024. On December 10, 2023, after a night of drinking at his home, Slater accused the woman of seeing other men without basis. The situation turned violent when he seized her phone, kicked her thigh, and berated her with slurs. 'You're out to ruin men's lives and put them in jail,' he yelled. 'You're a bitch, a slut. No wonder your ex hates you.' Slater then wrapped his hands around her throat, shaking her violently and leaving visible bruising. He followed up the attack by striking her face, causing her ear to ring and her eye to swell. Terrified, the woman fled and later discovered Slater had removed the SIM card from her phone. Just over two weeks later, on Boxing Day, she again visited Slater's home where both had been drinking. By 6pm, Slater grabbed a vodka bottle and threatened her, yelling, 'I'll f***ing kill you.' The woman sought refuge in the laundry, but Slater forced his way in, slammed her against a washing machine, and choked her until she pleaded, 'I can't breathe, let me go, you're really hurting me.' The violent episode left her bruised and suffering from persistent headaches. Throughout their relationship, Slater sent her hundreds of degrading and threatening messages, often threatening suicide if she reported him. In one message he wrote, 'You f***ing killed me.' In another, he threatened, 'I'll hang [my] skull at the front of [my] house.' The woman was continually insulted, called names like 'slut' and 'dog,' and blamed for Slater's behaviour. In February 2024, Slater followed her to a local sauna, made disturbing remarks, and propositioned her for sex in a toilet. When she rejected him, he became angry and aggressive, heightening her fear. Slater escalated his abuse by sending her non-consensual intimate images and videos. In one message, he attached a photo, saying, 'This is how you turned up to my house.' Another chilling text threatened, 'Omg. The s*** I've got on you … You're f***ed.' The woman lived in constant fear, emotionally drained by Slater's manipulation and threats. On March 13, 2024, her home security system alerted her to Slater's presence outside her kitchen window. CCTV footage captured him screaming profanities, smashing the kitchen window, and climbing into her home. Inside, Slater continued his tirade, shouting threats and pouring himself a glass of wine from her fridge. Alarmed neighbours heard the commotion and contacted police, who arrested Slater at the scene. The woman told police she was terrified to come forward, devastated by the impact on her mental health. Before his release, Slater also finalised separate charges in the Magistrates Court, pleading guilty to driving over the alcohol limit and driving with cannabis in his system. He was fined $900, had his licence suspended for one month, and convictions were recorded. Prosecutors initially argued for a five-year sentence with parole after three years. Slater's lawyer, Greg McGuire, submitted that Slater should serve three years but be immediately paroled. 'He wishes to go back to New South Wales, where members of his family reside,' McGuire said. 'Whether he gets better is entirely up to him. He has been without alcohol for a year.' The former Channel Nine commentator and cricket great played 74 Test matches between 1993 and 2001, scoring over 5000 runs and 14 centuries. After retiring from cricket in 2004, Slater became a well-known television pundit before his personal struggles spiralled into public disgrace. An earlier court hearing noted Slater suffered mental health conditions that contributed to 'impulsive and reckless' behaviour.
