Former Australian opener David Warner is once again embroiled in a new controversy after shocking details of his drunken driving incident came to light during a court hearing in Australia. The explosive development has sparked massive debate, as David Warner has been rebuilding his image recently after several controversies in his career.
Warner, famous for his fearless batting and aggressive attitude on the field, is now facing serious problems outside the field. His drink-driving case has also raised new questions over his captaincy future with Sydney Thunder big bash league (BBL).
Police made serious allegations against David Warner
Police said the incident occurred in Sydney on April 5 when Warner was driving his car after a gathering with friends on Easter Sunday, AAP reports. Police stopped his vehicle in the eastern part of the city after he allegedly failed to stop properly during a roadside liquor check.
Also read: ‘One of the top 3 IPL fast bowlers ever’: Virat Kohli impressed with Bhuvneshwar Kumar ahead of 200th IPL match
Police officers later took Warner to Maroubra Police Station for another breath test, and the alcohol reading was reportedly 0.104, more than twice the legal limit allowed for drivers in New South Wales. After the trial, Warner was charged with drunken driving in the middle distance.
Warner did not attend the first court hearing in Waverley Local Court on Thursday, 7 May, as the case was adjourned to 24 June.
However, the Australian star’s lawyer made it clear outside the court that the cricketer accepted that his actions were a big mistake and is expected to plead guilty in the upcoming hearing.
He knows what he did was wrong: David Warner’s lawyer
The lawyer agreed that Warner should have taken another option instead of driving himself home after drinking a glass of wine. The legal team also questioned the time gap between the roadside stop and the second breath test at the police station.
He claimed that Warner had consumed his last drink just 11 minutes before he was stopped by police, while a second breath test was reportedly conducted at the police station 52 minutes later.
david warnerBobby Hill’s attorney said, “He knows what he did was wrong. He admits it was a reckless decision, a stupid decision to get in his car instead of taking Uber. Having a glass of wine on the day of the Lord’s Resurrection is not a crime. In fact, some people would consider it perfectly reasonable. As I said, his crime is choosing a stupid Plan A instead of Plan B.”
Also Read: New Zealand Test squad announced for Ireland and England series: Full team list, schedule and key returns
Hill said, “This case before the court is a reminder about the dangers of self-aggrandizement for everyone in the public. I know David wants to put this case behind him and focus his efforts on re-contributing to those in the community.”
David Warner’s BBL captaincy in danger after drink and drive controversy
This controversy has now brought Warner under public scrutiny once again. New South Wales has taken the matter seriously due to the sport reportedly promoting a strong message against drunk driving in Australia. This could impact Warner’s captaincy role with Sydney Thunder in the BBL.
Cricket NSW Chief Executive Lee German said, “The allegations are certainly worrying and we take them very seriously. At Cricket NSW, we are strong advocates of safe driving and not drink-driving.”
