Australia's stylish batter David Warner has been slapped with an Aus$1,500 fine and ordered to use a vehicle breathalyser interlock after admitting to drink driving. The 39-year-old former Australia opener pleaded guilty last month to a “middle range” drink-driving offence.
Police stopped Warner in April after he reportedly pulled over before reaching a random breath-testing site while driving a van. He was then breath-tested, arrested and taken to a police station.
At Sydney’s Waverley Local Court on Tuesday, Judge Clare Farnan formally convicted Warner and handed down the fine, according to the court’s sentencing record.
Warner must also hold an “interlock” licence for 12 months. This means he will have to use a breathalyser device fitted to his vehicle, which prevents the engine from starting if alcohol is detected on his breath.
His lawyer, Awais Ahmad, described Warner’s decision to drive as “impaired, impulsive and frankly foolish decision-making”, according to ABC.
Ahmad said Warner had since completed a traffic offender’s programme and accepted full responsibility for his actions. He also spoke about the negative media coverage surrounding the case and the personal attacks Warner had faced.
Police told the court that Warner had consumed three glasses of wine before driving to his family home.
Judge Farnan warned Warner that even one poor decision behind the wheel could have serious consequences.