Michael Slater spills beans on him spending more than 100 days in rehab

Ex-Australian cricketer Michael Slater has spent more than 100 days in rehab as he tried to persuade a magistrate to settle his domestic violence allegations under mental health laws.

Between 1993 and 2001, Slater represented Australia in 74 Tests and 42 One-Day Internationals before transitioning to the broadcast industry. 

Last October, he was fired from Channel 7's cricket coverage after slamming Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Twitter while on vacation in the Maldives during the pandemic suspension of the Indian Premier League.

On Monday, the former Aussie batter appeared in Waverley Local Court, arguing that his lawyers should address his allegations under the Mental Health Act rather than under criminal law.

According to court documents, Slater reportedly harassed his ex-partner with a mobile phone between March and October last year, as well as intimidating and threatening her in Randwick between October 12 and 13.

Slater was first charged with using a carriage service to threaten, harass, or insult his ex-partner in the wake of a domestic violence incident.

He was arrested again in December at Manly on charges of violating an apprehended violence order and using a carriage service to threaten, harass, or intimidate his former partner.

According to court records, on the night of December 14, the former test opener allegedly sent 66 text messages and made 18 phone calls to his ex-partner over a two-and-a-half-hour period.

On Tuesday, Barrister Richard Pontello SC told the court that Slater had spent 108 days in a rehabilitation centre following his detention in December. 

Pontello stated that the 52-year-old had struggled with mental health concerns, several of which were now in remission.

Pontello further added that it was in the public interest for him to be handled under the Mental Health Act so that he could continue his therapy.

He also provided a character reference from Slater's ex-wife, who is not the claimed victim in the case, which stated, "The world is a better place with Mr. Slater in it at his healthy best."

Most guys would be hard-pressed to acquire that appraisal from their present partner, let alone their ex," Pontello added.

Prosecutor Sergeant Lachlan Kirby opposed the application, claiming that because of the nature of the alleged crimes, Slater should be dealt with under criminal law.

Kirby stated, "The (claimed) misconduct was ongoing, and it was controlling."

He said police would allege it caused the victim significant harm, to the point that the victim wanted to write a victim impact statement about the conduct.

The Prosecutor also expressed concern about Slater relapsing once any orders have expired in the future.

Magistrate Ross Hudson postponed his decision to evaluate the prosecution and defence arguments.

The case will be heard again in court on April 27.