Michael Slater granted strict bail after second arrest in Sydney

His arrest on Wednesday, again in Sydney, came after he allegedly sent 66 text messages and made 18 phone calls to a former partner in a two-and-a-half-hour period on Tuesday evening

Former Australia batter Michael Slater has been charged with breaching a protective order, Australian media have reported.

The news comes two months after an alleged incident of domestic violence involving Slater. In October, he was arrested in Sydney and charged with stalking and harassment offences.

His arrest on Wednesday, again in Sydney, came after he allegedly sent 66 text messages and made 18 phone calls to a former partner in a two-and-a-half-hour period on Tuesday evening.

He was granted a "a very, very strict bail" at Manly Local Court on Wednesday afternoon, with the magistrate adding: "Mr Slater will be under no illusion that if he breaches bail, he'll be back in custody."

Referring to the breach of the order, Slater's lawyer, James McLoughlin, told the court that his client had "slipped up once" by relapsing with alcohol, a problem for which he is receiving treatment.

^{Michael Slater played 74 Tests for Australia (William West/AFP via Getty Images)}

The messages were described by the prosecutor as "harassing and highly offensive in nature".

A bail application was initially refused but then granted after the court heard that Slater would be admitted to the mental health ward of Northern Beaches Hospital and would not have access to a mobile phone.

"It's in the interest of the community and certainly Mr Slater that he seeks treatment in the community," said magistrate Michelle Goodwin.

Slater represented Australia in 74 Tests, making 14 hundreds and 21 half centuries. He was a commentator for Channel Seven's cricket coverage until October, when he was let go by the broadcaster.

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