Former Australian opener David Warner During a court hearing in Sydney on Thursday, his lawyer will “accept responsibility” for his alleged drink-driving offence, describing the incident as a “careless” and “stupid” mistake.The 39-year-old cricketer, one of Australia’s most recognizable sports figures, is facing a mid-range drink-driving charge after allegedly recording 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 at a random breath test site before being pulled over by police, arrested and taken to a police station.
Warner did not appear at Waverley Local Court during the brief hearing while his lawyer Bobby Hill confirmed the former Australian star would not contest the charge.“I can indicate that David will accept responsibility for drink driving,” Hill told reporters outside court.“A lot of us make these poor decisions. I think it’s important to accept those poor decisions and be accountable.”‘A careless decision’Hill said Warner deeply regretted the incident and admitted he should not have made the choice to drive after drinking.“He knows what he did wrong. He accepts it was a reckless decision, a stupid decision to get in his car instead of taking an Uber,” Hill said.The lawyer revealed that Warner had “three glasses of wine” at a friend’s apartment before deciding to drive off.In one of the most surprising moments outside the courtroom, Hill tried to put the incident in a broader perspective.“It doesn’t matter if you are a businessman, a doctor or one of the best opening batsmen in the world, this risk is there for each and every one of us,” he said.Hill also commented: “It is not a crime to have a glass of wine on the Lord’s Day. In fact, some people would think it perfectly reasonable. His crime is choosing a stupid Plan A over Plan B.”According to Hill, Warner’s last drink was consumed just 11 minutes before he was stopped by police.The lawyer added that the former Australian batsman is remorseful and expects to face the same consequences as other citizens.“The cricket star is remorseful, so he will be asking for leniency but he expects to be sentenced like any other NSW citizen,” Hill explained.Warner’s case has now been adjourned till June 24.
