World ( The cow news digital )
SYDNEY — Former Australian test cricketer David Warner has been formally convicted and fined AUD 1,500 by an Australian court following a guilty plea in a drink-driving case.
The proceedings centered on an incident in Sydney where Warner was intercepted during a random breath test while on break from the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Australian media reported that prior to reaching the checkpoint, Warner attempted to swap seats with a passenger inside the vehicle. Warner officially pleaded guilty to the offense last month.
During the hearing, Warner’s legal counsel, Owais Ahmed, urged the court to spare the former cricketer a formal conviction, highlighting that global media coverage of the incident had already significantly damaged his reputation and commercial sponsorships. However, the presiding magistrate rejected the plea, stressing the necessity of issuing a strong public message to deter drink-driving and lower the risk of reoffending.
Under the court order, Warner’s driving privileges will now be conditional upon the installation of an alcohol interlock device in his vehicle. To resume driving, he must acquire an interlock license and fit the technology, which mechanically prevents the vehicle’s engine from starting if alcohol is detected on the driver’s breath.
