Former Cricketer Michael Slater Sentenced After Pleading Guilty To Domestic Violence Charges

In a case that has rocked the cricketing community, former Australian Test opener Michael Slater has received a suspended four-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to a range of domestic violence charges.

Australia's national broadcaster ABC reported that the 55-year-old former cricketer walked free from court on Tuesday after spending over a year in custody while awaiting trial.

Last year Slater reportedly collapsed in an Australian court after being refused bail on more than a dozen charges. He had to be helped to his feet by court staff after falling to the floor when a Queensland magistrate turned down his bail application.

Slaters guilty pleas encompassed serious offences, including stalking and assault. The court said that Slater could face a return to jail if he commits another significant crime in the next five years, a provision indicating the gravity of the charges that was lodged against him.

Among the allegations against him, police said Slater sent unwanted text messages and made intimidating phone calls.