David Warner (IANS Image)
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 popular sporting figures, faces a drink-driving charge after he recorded more than double the legal alcohol limit during a roadside breath test in April.According to court documents, Warner was allegedly driving a pickup truck in Sydney’s eastern suburbs when he stopped at a random breath test site before police stopped, arrested and took him to a police station.
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Warner did not appear before Waverley Local Court during the short hearing, while his lawyer, Bobby Hill, confirmed that the former Australian star would not challenge the impeachment.“I can indicate that David will accept responsibility for drink driving,” Hill told reporters outside court.He added: “A lot of us make those bad decisions. I think what’s important is to accept those bad decisions and be accountable for them.”
‘Rash decision’Hill said Warner deeply regrets the accident and admitted he should not have chosen to drive after consuming alcohol.“He knows what he did was wrong,” Hill said. “He accepts that this was a reckless decision, a foolish decision to get into his car instead of an Uber.”The lawyer revealed that Warner had had “three glasses of wine” at a friend’s flat before deciding to drive.In one of the most surprising moments outside court, Hill tried to put the incident in a broader context.“It doesn’t matter if you are a trader, a doctor or one of the best batsmen in the world, this risk is there for every one of us,” he said.Hale also noted: “Having a glass of wine on the day of the Lord’s resurrection is not a crime. In fact, some would consider it quite appropriate. His crime is choosing foolish Plan A rather than Plan B.”According to Hill, Warner’s last drink was consumed just 11 minutes before he was stopped by police.The lawyer further stated that the former Australian batsman feels remorse 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 like any other New South Wales citizen,” Hill explained.Warner’s case has now been adjourned until June 24.