Australia cricket star David Warner pleads guilty to drink driving

Former Australia batsman David Warner pleaded guilty to drink driving following a random breath test in Sydney in April.

The plea was expected after his lawyer Bobby Hill said after a hearing in May that the cricketer accepted responsibility and knew his behavior was “stupid” and “reckless”.

Hill told a previous hearing that Warner drank three glasses of wine at a friend’s house before getting into his car on Easter Sunday.

Sentencing is set for August 18, when Warner faces a driving ban of at least six months, a fine of up to A$2,200 ($1,500; £1,150) and up to nine months in prison.

Warner, who retired from international cricket in 2024, currently captains the Pakistan Super League team Karachi Kings as well as the captain of Sydney Thunder.

Following the allegations against him in April, Cricket NSW chief executive Lee Germon said the allegations were “concerning” and that the organization was taking them “very seriously”.

“At Cricket NSW we strongly advocate safe driving, not drink driving,” he said.

Hill said at the hearing in May that Warner knew what he did was wrong. “He admits it was a reckless decision, a stupid decision to get into his car instead of taking an Uber.”

“It is not a crime to drink a glass of wine on the day of the Lord’s resurrection. In fact, some find it entirely appropriate,” he added.

“His crime, as I said, is foolishly choosing plan A instead of plan B.”