- Michael Slater was admitted to a mental health facility
- The cricket great was charged with alleged assault this year
- Court found his mental state had ‘deteriorated’
Australian cricket great Michael Slater is seeking mental health treatment at a private men’s retreat months after he was charged with allegedly attacking a police officer, a court has heard.
Mr Slater was charged with one count of assaulting police and two counts of obstructing police following the alleged assault, during which a police officer’s hand was cut off, during a welfare check at a Noosa home in March this year.
Mr Slater’s lawyer Troy Krahenbring wrote to the Noosa Magistrates Court to explain there had been further delays in completing a psychological report for his client.
“Unfortunately, the defendant’s health has deteriorated to the point where his psychologist has ordered that he be institutionalized for treatment for his own safety and well-being,” the letter states, as stated was read in court Tuesday.
Mr Krahenbring said Mr Slater was “currently residing” at Palladium Private, a men-only mental health facility based in Maleny on the Sunshine Coast.
Michael Slater was admitted to a mental health facility, a court heard on Tuesday.
The court heard Mr Slater was receiving treatment there until November 7.
Queensland Police were called to the Noosa Heads home just before midnight on March 31 this year following reports of a domestic violence-related matter and a medical incident at the property.
Police allege in court that Mr Slater, 53, assaulted a police officer at the Noosa Heads home.
Mr Slater, who remains on bail, was not present when his case was discussed on Tuesday.
The matter was remitted to the Noosa Magistrates Court on November 21 for further hearing.
Acting magistrate Raelene Ellis said she would not yet list the case until Mr Slater had left the mental health facility.
“We may list him for a plea after that date, given the issues that have been highlighted it might be premature to do otherwise,” Ms Ellis said.
No formal plea has been filed.
At a previous appearance in the Noosa Magistrates Court, Mr Slater said he intended to plead not guilty to the charges against him.
The cricket great’s mental health has deteriorated since he was arrested for the alleged assault of a Noosa police officer earlier this year.
Speaking to media outside court in April this year, Mr Slater said the incident was an “unfortunate situation” during a mental health episode.
During his cricketing career, Mr Slater scored 5,312 runs, playing 74 Test matches and 42 one-day internationals for Australia between 1993 and 2001.
The Australian sports star later moved to commentary on Channel 7 and Channel 9 after retiring from cricket.
