Former Australia cricketer Michael Slater returns to rehab after facing raft of charges

Former Australia cricketer and commentator Michael Slater has returned to rehabilitation in Sydney following the raft of charges he faces. The 52-year-old was charged with two counts of assault of a 36-year-old man at Northern Beaches Hospital earlier this year. Furthermore, he is also charged with one count of attempt to stalk or intimidate the man.

As a concern for welfare check, the former Test cricketer found himself in hospital earlier this year after police attended his harbour front Manly apartment on July 14. He was hospitalised and remained at the facility for four days, when he allegedly assaulted the man.

"The accused did attempt to intimidate the victim with the intention of causing the victim to fear physical or mental harm," the documents obtained from court read as quoted by Sydney Morning Herald.

Michael Slater back in rehab

Slater previously pleaded not guilty to the charges and the matter was on Wednesday adjourned for a week. The court was informed of Slater’s absence as he was in a rehabilitation facility.

He also faces charges of breaching an apprehended violence order and using a carriage service to menace, harass a 53-year-old woman and was further arrested on September 28 this year. As per the bail conditions, the ex-cricketer will not be allowed to leave a private mental health hospital in the beachside suburb of Bronte.

Moreover, he will also not be allowed to use a phone for any reason except to contact specific people that includes the name of his sister. Any use must be supervised by the staff of the mental health hospital. Previously, his lawyer had raised Slater's mental health concerns in answer to the player contacting his ex-partner 84 times in one night, which was in breach of a restraining order.

Slater is known to have made headlines for sensitive issues in the past that includes criticising the government's decision to impose a flight ban on all travellers from India in response to escalating COVID-19 cases.

Slater represented Australia in 74 Tests, scoring 5312 runs at an average of 42.83 following his debut during the Ashes tour of England in 1993. He embarked on a successful commentary career with Nine and Seven networks before being dropped by the latter.