David Warner convicted for drink-driving, tried to swap seats to evade police

Former Australia cricketer David Warner has been fined for mid-range drink driving. Warner was convicted and fined AU$1500 on Tuesday, August 18, after trying to switch seats with a passenger when approaching a random breath-testing site on Easter Sunday, earlier this year.

He will now be required to install an interlock device in his car, which detects alcohol before he can drive it again. Warner had pleaded guilty in July, and his barrister argued that he shouldn’t be given a conviction for the offence when he blew more than twice the legal limit, saying that he had already suffered extra punishment due to media coverage.

However, Judge Clare Farnan said that Warner’s image was susceptible to potential harm, being a global public figure. He was arrested while he was on an Easter trip home during a break from the Pakistan Super League (PSL)

Warner made the impulsive decision to drive his family home from a function after consuming three glasses of wine, his barrister, Awais Ahmad, told the court.

According to the agreed facts presented in court, Warner stopped when he spotted the breath-testing site and attempted to switch seats with a female passenger. However, police identified him as the driver, after which he cooperated with the testing, Judge Farnan noted.

Warner's children were present in the car

The judge also said the offence was aggravated by the fact that Warner’s children were passengers in the car at the time. Warner’s position as captain of the Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League was also reportedly at risk, with the court hearing that the franchise, along with city rivals Sydney Sixers, is involved in a state government campaign aimed at discouraging drink-driving.

Cricket NSW, which owns and manages the Thunder, acknowledged the sentence and reiterated its commitment to promoting road safety.

“We continue to take this incident seriously, including educating all players on the importance of safe driving,” a spokesperson was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo.

Judge Farnan also noted evidence of cruel commentary directed at Warner and his family on social media. However, she said Warner’s attempt to conceal the fact that he had been driving from police did not reflect favourably on his conduct.