Kamal Ghorui
Former Australia opener David Warner will “accept responsibility” for his alleged drink-driving offence, with his lawyer describing the incident as a “reckless” and “foolish” mistake during a court hearing in Sydney on Thursday.The 39-year-old cricketer, one of Australia’s most recognisable sporting figures, is facing a mid-range drink-driving charge after allegedly recording more than twice the legal alcohol limit during a roadside breath test in April.According to court documents, Warner was allegedly driving a van in Sydney’s eastern suburbs when he stopped short of a random breath-testing site before being pulled over by police, arrested and taken to a police station.
Warner did not appear in Waverley Local Court during the brief hearing, while his lawyer Bobby Hill confirmed the former Australia star would not contest accountability.“I can indicate that David will be accepting responsibility for drink-driving,” Hill told reporters outside court.“So many of us make those poor decisions. I think what’s important is accepting and being accountable for those poor decisions,” he added.‘A reckless decision’Hill said Warner deeply regretted the incident and acknowledged he should never have chosen to drive after consuming alcohol.“He knows what he did was wrong. He accepts that was a reckless decision, a foolish decision to get in his car instead of taking an Uber,” Hill said.The lawyer revealed Warner had consumed “three glasses of wine” at a friend’s apartment before deciding to drive.In one of the more striking moments outside court, Hill attempted to place the incident in a broader context.“It doesn’t matter if you’re a tradesman, a doctor or one of the best opening batsmen in the world, that danger exists for every one of us,” he said.Hill also remarked: “It’s not a crime to have a glass of wine on the day of the lord’s resurrection. In fact, some would consider that completely appropriate. His crime is choosing a foolish plan A instead of a plan B.”According to Hill, Warner’s final drink had been consumed just 11 minutes before he was stopped by police.The lawyer further stated that the former Australia batter is remorseful and expects to face consequences like any other citizen.“The cricket star is remorseful, which is why he will ask for leniency but expects to be punished as any other NSW citizen would be,” Hill explained.Warner’s matter has now been adjourned until June 24.
