Michael Slater announces death of his father months after sentencing

Former Australia opening batsman and television commentator Michael Slater announced the death of his father, Peter Slater, on Tuesday, posting a brief tribute on Instagram that read, "RIP Dad. I love you."

The 55-year-old former Test player made the announcement to his followers with a single photo of his father and a heart emoji. The post comes four months after Slater was sentenced in April to a four-year jail term, partly suspended, following guilty pleas to a series of assault-related charges.

Slater pleaded guilty in April to two counts of common assault, one count of unlawful striking, one count of assault occasioning bodily harm, burglary by break at night, and two counts of strangulation. Judge Glen Cash imposed a four-year term but partly suspended the sentence; Slater had spent more than a year on remand after being refused bail and the judge suspended part of the term for time already served. The remainder of the sentence is suspended for five years, during which Slater faces the risk of being returned to custody if he commits another serious offence.

Authorities say Slater was arrested in April 2024 and initially faced more than a dozen charges, including enter dwelling with intent by break at night, choking, stalking and breaching bail. Police alleged the offences occurred between Dec. 5, 2023, and April 12, 2024. Among the allegations, prosecutors said Slater sent hundreds of abusive messages to a woman with whom he had been romantically involved, accessed and manipulated a front-porch CCTV camera to face into her home, smashed a window to gain entry and assaulted the woman by grabbing her arm, and choked her on two separate occasions. The matters were dealt with in court following his guilty pleas.

Slater, who rose to prominence as an opening batter for Australia and later worked as a television commentator, has spoken in other contexts about his parents’ role in his sporting development. His parents, Peter and Carole Slater, were born in England and emigrated to Tasmania in 1966 before the family moved to Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, where Slater was born.

In recent months, Slater posted messages on social media that drew public attention. Six weeks ago he wrote, "When you're at your lowest right now knowing you're not gonna tell anyone because they'll think you're seeking for attention." That message prompted responses of support from colleagues, including former England Test captain Michael Vaughan, who wrote: "Thinking of you Slats. Always remember you mean so much to so many people x."

Slater’s announcement of his father’s death did not include further details about the cause or funeral arrangements. There has been no immediate public comment from the Slater family beyond the Instagram post.

Legal proceedings over the matters that led to Slater’s sentencing were finalized with his guilty pleas and the sentence imposed in April. The suspension conditions mean Slater remains subject to supervision and faces the possibility of returning to custody if he breaches the suspended portion of his sentence during the five-year period.

Slater’s career as a cricketer and media figure brought him a high profile in Australia; the recent criminal case and his sentencing marked a significant fall from public prominence. The family announcement of his father’s passing represents a private loss for Slater amid ongoing legal and personal challenges.