Reports: Michael Slater takes the route of mental health defense over domestic violence charges

Former Australian opener Michael Slater has found himself in a bit of trouble lately. He was arrested by the police in October with charges of harassment and stalking. He was allowed to go out on conditional bail if he was represented legally by a lawyer. Now, in a strange turn of events, his lawyer has appealed that the matter be dealt with under Section 14 of the Mental Health Act. 

This year has been a bumpy ride for the ex-cricketer turned commentator. He had got into a bit of trouble after he fled to the Maldives from the Indian Premier League in India in the middle of the season. The tournament was eventually called off but the former player took to Twitter to criticize the Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison at the time which didn’t go down well in many quarters. 

Now, having said all of that, according to reports in In Queensland, Slater’s case took a turn when his lawyer came up with the mental health defense. It has been alleged that the cricketer used his mobile phone to harass between the months of March and October this year. It was also stated that the intimidation on his part occurred between October 12 and 13. 

The hearing will happen in December just before Christmas

The details have been stated in the court reports. As he was represented by a lawyer named James McLoughlin, he was allowed to not show up at the court. On Thursday, his lawyer said to the Waverley Local Court that Slater was in the hospital, being accessed by a forensic psychiatrist in a treatment related to the incident. 

The lawyer has also indicated that a plea will be submitted by his client and him on December 23 where they would apply that the whole issue is dealt with under Section 14 of the mental health act. Initially, Magistrate Carolyn Huntsman was surprised when he was informed about this and questioned back, “are you kidding me?”

Slater had also been dropped from the Network Seven’s list of commentators for the Australian summer which will begin soon. Though the network’s decision to not renew his contract was explained by the budget issues, it has been speculated that his stern words against the Prime Minister earlier this year could have also played a part.