- Former star batter turned TV commentator held in a guardhouse
- The 54-year-old is facing 19 charges and has been refused bail
Police sources have described the conditions fallen former Australian cricketer Michael Slater experienced in a Sunshine Coast prison cell likened to a ‘dungeon’.
The former TV commentator is facing 19 charges relating to alleged crimes committed on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast on various dates between December 5, 2023 and April 12 this year.
Slater is charged with domestic violence, including unlawful stalking or intimidation, entering a dwelling with intent at night, common assault, assault occasioning bodily harm and suffocation or suffocation.
The former opening batsman and TV commentator is also charged with breaching bail and 10 counts of breaching a domestic violence order.
The former Test cricketer is facing 19 charges, including breaking into a dwelling with intent at night, common assault, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and suffocation or suffocation
Slater (pictured during his career as a commentator) collapsed in court when bail was refused
The former opening batsman is currently locked up in the Maroochydore watchhouse (pictured)
The 54-year-old has spent the last few days at the Maroochydore police watchhouse since his arrest last weekend.
Some of the alleged violent acts were captured on CCTV cameras at the woman’s property, including his repeated alleged verbal abuse – shouting obscenities and beatings before forcing his way into the house.
Slater, dressed in prison greens, put his head in his hands when he heard his bail had been rejected.
He then collapsed as he was led back to the cells by Corrective Services staff.
Slater, who led a flashy lifestyle with TV appearances, luxury homes and fast cars, faced a very different environment during his time at the Maroochydore guardhouse.
“It’s like a dungeon… it’s a strange place,” a police source said News Corp.
Slater allegedly had his photo taken before being placed in a cell — and depending on the time of day, the cell could be full of other people, the publication reported.
Slater would then have been processed at a counter where his belongings would be inspected, he would be asked health questions and then searched and searched.
Slater has been refused bail and is due back in court on May 31
If the prisoner’s clothing is not suitable, the guardhouse will provide prison greens.
“Depending on what happens there, if they object to the bail, you will be there until court the next day, so you will have to spend a night in jail,” the source said.
The lights will be dimmed around 9 or 10 p.m., but according to the source, “some kind of light” will remain on, with staff checking the cell every hour.
Slater is likely to be taken to a remand center within two weeks now that he has been denied bail.
Slater is due back in court on May 31.