DAVID WARNER CONVICTED OF DRINK-DRIVING, FINED $1,500

David Warner, a former Australian Test cricket opener, was convicted and fined $1,500 on Tuesday for mid-range drink-driving. The 39-year-old failed a breath test on Easter Sunday after attempting to exchange seats with a passenger as he approached a random breath-testing site. He was ordered to have an interlock device installed on his vehicle for 12 months. Warner cooperated with police testing once identified as the driver, according to agreed facts presented in court.

Warner's barrister argued that his client should be spared conviction because global media coverage of the offence had caused substantial damage to his commercial interests and reputation. The lawyer told Waverley Local Court that outlets including ESPN, Al Jazeera and the Indian Express had reported the arrest, affecting potential opportunities in T20 franchise leagues in India and Bangladesh. Warner's position as captain of the Sydney Thunder in the domestic Big Bash League was also said to be under threat. Judge Clare Farnan acknowledged evidence of hostile social media commentary directed at Warner and his wife Candice Warner.

Judge Farnan declined to spare Warner conviction, ruling that the need to deter the public from drink-driving took precedence in her decision. The judge noted that more than 17,300 people had appeared before the court in the past five years for mid-range drink-driving offences. Warner was on an Easter trip home from the subcontinent, where he captained the Karachi Kings in the Pakistan Super League at the time of the offence.