Australian cricketer David Warner has suffered a setback. Former Australia opener David Warner has been found guilty in a drink-driving case by the Waverley Local Court in Sydney. The court imposed a fine of A$1,500 on Warner. The news has come as a shock to his fans.
The incident took place on Easter Sunday last year, and Warner pleaded guilty to the offence. According to reports, he admitted in court that he had driven after consuming alcohol. It has now been revealed that the alcohol level in Warner’s blood was more than twice the legal limit, following which the court found him guilty.
Warner had returned home for the Easter holidays while playing in the Pakistan Super League. During a celebration, he reportedly consumed three glasses of alcohol. He then decided to drive his family home. However, on the way, Warner noticed a police breath-testing checkpoint. He allegedly stopped his car a short distance before the checkpoint and attempted to switch seats. The police noticed what had happened and identified Warner as the driver. He subsequently cooperated with the investigation and admitted his offence, leading to the court finding him guilty.
During the hearing, Waverley Local Court Judge Clare Farnan said that driving under the influence of alcohol while young children were inside the vehicle made the offence more serious. The court also ordered Warner to have an alcohol interlock device installed in his car for 12 months. The device prevents a vehicle from starting if the driver has consumed alcohol.
Warner’s lawyer, Awais Ahmed, argued that the penalty could have a significant impact on Warner’s opportunities in international franchise leagues, as well as his captaincy of the Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League. However, the judge rejected the argument.
Although Judge Farnan acknowledged that Warner was unlikely to commit a similar offence again, she pointed out that drink-driving is a major contributor to many road accidents in New South Wales. The court therefore ruled that Warner must have the interlock device installed before he can resume driving.
With the ruling potentially affecting Warner’s participation in various leagues, there is now considerable interest in what happens next in his cricket career. What began with just three glasses of alcohol has turned into a major setback for David Warner.
