Former Australia batter David Warner has been convicted and fined for drink-driving after being arrested in April following a roadside breath test in Sydney.
The 39-year-old cricketer pleaded guilty to the offence at Waverley Local Court on Tuesday. The court heard that Warner was driving his family home in Sydney’s eastern suburbs after attending a social gathering during the Easter weekend when he failed a breath test.
His blood-alcohol reading was reportedly more than twice the legal limit.
Warner Tried to Change Seats
According to evidence heard by the court, Warner stopped his vehicle after noticing a roadside breath-testing operation and attempted to swap seats with a female passenger.
The incident was considered more serious because children were inside the vehicle at the time.
Judge Clare Farnan said Warner was unlikely to commit the offence again but stressed the broader dangers associated with drink-driving.
“I accept Mr Warner is unlikely to re-offend,” the judge said, according to comments published by Australian media.
However, she highlighted the continuing role of drink-driving in road crashes across New South Wales and said the presence of children in Warner’s vehicle aggravated the offence.
Fined A$1,500 and Ordered to Install Interlock
The court imposed a fine of A$1,500, equivalent to about US$1,065 at the exchange rate cited in the report.
Warner will also be required to have an alcohol interlock device fitted to his vehicle.
The device is designed to prevent a car from starting if it detects alcohol on the driver’s breath. Such devices are used as part of drink-driving penalties and are intended to prevent repeat offences.
Warner left the courthouse without speaking to the large group of media waiting outside.
His management did not immediately provide a comment when contacted by Reuters.
Lawyer Cited Impact of Media Coverage
Before the judge delivered her decision, Warner’s lawyer, Awais Ahmad, argued that his client had already faced additional consequences because of extensive media coverage of the incident.
According to Australian media reports, the lawyer said Warner’s commercial opportunities had been affected by the case and asked the court to consider those consequences when determining the penalty.
Warner remains active in cricket-related broadcasting and professional cricket.
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Warner Continues Work in Cricket
Despite retiring from international cricket, Warner remains a prominent figure in Australian sport.
He has worked as a commentator for Fox Sports Australia and was part of the broadcaster’s coverage team for the recent Australia-Bangladesh Test in Darwin.
He is also captain of Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League.
The team is involved in a New South Wales government campaign aimed at discouraging drink-driving, making the incident particularly significant for Warner’s role with the club.
Cricket NSW Emphasises Safe Driving
Cricket New South Wales did not immediately comment on whether Warner’s position as Sydney Thunder captain would be affected by the conviction.
However, the organisation stressed its stance on road safety.
“Our organisation is a strong advocate of safe driving, including avoiding drink driving,” Cricket NSW said in a statement.
“We continue to take this incident seriously, including educating all players on the importance of safe driving.”
Highly Decorated International Career
Warner is one of Australia’s most accomplished modern cricketers.
He played 112 Test matches for Australia and more than 250 limited-overs internationals during an international career spanning more than a decade.
Known for his aggressive batting style, Warner became one of Australia’s leading run-scorers across formats and was a key member of several successful Australian teams.
His conviction, however, now adds a serious off-field incident to the later years of an otherwise highly decorated cricket career. The court’s decision means Warner will face the financial penalty and vehicle restrictions while continuing his work in broadcasting and domestic cricket.
