Australian ex-cricketer Slater sentenced for domestic violence

SYDNEY: Former Australian Test opener Michael Slater received a suspended four-year prison sentence Tuesday after pleading guilty to a raft of domestic violence charges, local media reported.

The 55-year-old walked free after he was granted an early release, national broadcaster ABC reported, having served more than a year in custody while waiting for the case to be heard.

He could be returned to jail to complete the sentence in full if he commits another serious crime within the next five years, according to Australian media.

Slater pleaded guilty to domestic violence charges, including stalking and assault.

The charges included allegations of assault, strangulation, burglary and stalking in relation to multiple incidents against a woman in the Noosa region.

In sentencing on Tuesday, Maroochydore judge Glen Cash told Slater it was obvious he was an alcoholic, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported.

"Your rehabilitation will not be easy — alcoholism is part of your make-up."

An earlier court hearing was told Slater, who worked as a high-profile television pundit after retiring from cricket, battled mental health conditions that could result in "impulsive and reckless" behaviour.

Slater played 74 Test matches from 1993-2001, chalking up more than 5,000 runs for Australia including 14 centuries.

He also played 42 one-day internationals before retiring from cricket in 2004.

Additional input from Reuters