Twist in ex-cricket star’s DV case

Lawyers for disgraced former Test cricketer Michael Slater have withdrawn from his court case just weeks after he was charged with a raft of domestic violence-related offences.

Mr Slater’s matter was briefly mentioned before Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Friday where it was adjourned for another four weeks.

The court was told his legal team – who were not able to attend proceedings – were seeking leave to withdraw, which was granted by magistrate Matthew McLaughlin.

A town agent acting for Mr Slater’s solicitor said the material could be mailed to his new lawyer “going forward”.

Mr Slater has spent the past month in custody on a raft of charges, including enter dwelling with intent by night, choking, assault occasioning bodily harm, stalking and breaching bail.

They include an alleged barrage of more than 300 abusive texts – 203 of which were allegedly sent over the course of 24 hours from March 11-12 this year.

Maroochydore Magistrate’s Court has previously heard Mr Slater denies any allegations of violence against the complainant.

The former cricketing legend collapsed in court in April after learning his bail application was refused.

During Friday’s mention, magistrate McLaughlin expressed surprise the police had already prepared a brief of evidence.

“He (Mr Slater) was charged on the 13th of April,” he said.

“That’s got to be a record.”

The matter was adjourned to June 28 for a further committal mention.

Mr Slater remains in custody on remand.

All of his charges are linked to events alleged to have occurred between December 5, 2023 and April 12 this year.

Police allege in court documents Mr Slater sent the woman hundreds of abusive texts, calling her a “c**”, “escort”, “liar” and “sl*t” while threatening to take his own life.

Others on different dates included statements such as: “OK I am coming to you”; “You’re going to hurt me aren’t you” and “What have you done”.

It is further alleged Mr Slater accessed the woman’s CCTV camera on the front porch of her house on March 17, turning it around to face into her home.

This is alleged to have occurred while the woman was giving a statement to officers at Noosa Police Station, where she was alerted to the act through an app on her phone.

Mr Slater’s charge of enter dwelling relates to allegations he broke into the complainant’s home on April 12, smashing a window and repeatedly screaming “f**k you” and “where’s your daughter”.

The choking and assault occasioning bodily harm charge related to allegations he hit the woman at his Noosa Heads home on an earlier date, after she attended over concerns for his welfare.

Police allege Mr Slater then choked her in the laundry as she attempted to get away.

It is further alleged he threatened to kill her while wielding an empty vodka bottle.

Over his cricketing career, Mr Slater scored 5312 runs, playing 74 test matches and 42 one-day internationals for Australia between 1993 and 2001.

Mr Slater then transitioned to commentary with Channel 7 and Channel 9 after retiring from cricket.