David Warner Convicted In Drink-Driving Case, Fined AUD 1,500 By Sydney Court

Former Australia opener David Warner has been convicted of mid-range drink-driving by a Sydney court and fined AUD 1,500 after he was caught driving with more than twice the legal alcohol limit.

The 39-year-old cricketer will also have to use an alcohol interlock device to drive. The case relates to an incident on April 5, Easter Sunday, when Warner stopped short of a random breath-testing site in Sydney’s east and attempted to switch seats with a passenger.

Warner pleaded guilty to drink-driving charge

Warner was charged after police conducted a random breath test and found that his blood alcohol level was more than twice the legal limit.

He pleaded guilty to the charge last month. The Waverley Local Court had scheduled August 18 for the final sentence.

Warner’s lawyer, Awais Ahmad, asked the court to avoid recording a conviction, arguing that his client had already faced significant consequences because of the extensive media coverage of the incident.

Lawyer cites impact of media coverage

Ahmad told the court that reports about Warner’s case had appeared in international media outlets, including ESPN and Al Jazeera.

He argued that the publicity could affect Warner’s commercial opportunities, particularly in countries such as India and Bangladesh, where he could seek opportunities in T20 franchise leagues.

“The consequences of his offending are profound. Commercial opportunities (are) being affected,” Ahmad said.

The lawyer also questioned why NSW Police had issued a press release about Warner’s arrest, arguing that the subsequent media attention had been extensive.

Judge says deterrence was paramount

Judge Clare Farnan acknowledged that Warner and his wife, Candice Warner, had faced cruel comments on social media following the incident.

However, she said the need to deter people from drink-driving was paramount in deciding to convict Warner. The offence was also aggravated because children were in the vehicle at the time.

Warner was arrested while returning home from Pakistan, where he had captained Karachi Kings in the Pakistan Super League. After being charged, he returned to Pakistan to continue his PSL campaign.

Warner can drive with interlock device

Warner will be allowed to drive after applying for an interlock licence and having the required device installed in his car.

The device is designed to prevent the vehicle from starting if it detects alcohol in the driver’s system.

The conviction has also raised questions over Warner’s position as captain of the Sydney Thunder ahead of the upcoming Big Bash League season.