I Was Foolish Warner Remorseful Over Drink-Driving Issue

Former Australian opener David Warner made a serious mistake by driving after sharing a few glasses of wine with friends on Easter Sunday, his lawyer Bobby Hill told the court.

On April 5, Warner was stopped by police in Sydney’s eastern suburbs before a roadside alcohol test. He was later taken to Maroubra Police Station, where a second breath test allegedly recorded a blood alcohol reading of 0.104 — more than double the legal limit.

The 39-year-old cricketer has been charged with mid-range drink driving. Warner was not required to appear at Waverley Local Court on Thursday during the first hearing of the case. However, his lawyer indicated that Warner may plead guilty at a later stage.

Speaking to reporters outside the court, Hill said, “He knows what he did was wrong. Choosing to drive instead of taking an Uber was a foolish and reckless decision.”

Hill added that Warner had consumed three glasses of wine at a friend’s apartment. He also claimed that police stopped Warner just 11 minutes after his last drink and took 52 minutes to conduct the second breathalyser test.

He further stated, “Having a glass of wine on Easter is not a crime. But he made a mistake by relying too much on his own judgment.”

According to his lawyer, Warner is remorseful and is prepared to accept punishment like any ordinary citizen.

The incident has also raised questions about Warner’s future as captain of Sydney Thunder. Cricket NSW chief executive Lee Germon said, “The allegations are concerning and we take them very seriously. We strongly advocate safe driving and not drink-driving.”

At the time of his arrest, Warner was playing for Karachi Kings in the Pakistan Super League. He later returned to Pakistan to continue the tournament, where he averaged 51.2 with the bat.

Warner scored 8,786 runs in 112 Tests for Australia. The left-handed opener retired from Test cricket in 2024, with his highest score being an unbeaten 335 against Pakistan.

However, Warner previously found himself at the center of controversy during the 2018 ball-tampering scandal in South Africa. Investigations revealed that the then vice-captain had masterminded the plan to alter the condition of the ball using sandpaper. As a result, he was banned from all forms of cricket for one year.

The next hearing of Warner’s case is scheduled for June 24.