WACA pitch invader fined $9000

The man who tackled Khalid Latif to the ground during a one-day game at the WACA last month has been fined $9000 after being convicted of assault and trespass. David James Fraser, 37, of Yangebup, pleaded guilty to the charges and his lawyer said he had been dared by a mate to run on to the ground.

Fraser was fined $6000 for the trespass charge and $3000 for the assault following the incident on January 31, which his lawyer said was alcohol-induced. He was also banned for life from the WACA.

The incident led to calls from Cricket Australia and the WACA for harsher penalties for pitch invaders. Following the court hearing, the WACA released a statement saying that it would continue to lobby the state government for greater fines for field invaders.

"Field of play invasions by spectators during major sporting events are dangerous, disrupt major public events and can influence the outcome of those events, whilst also damaging Australia's and Western Australia's reputation in the eyes of international viewing audiences," the statement said. "The ICC has the power to revoke the WACA Ground's accreditation to host international cricket matches, and the WACA supports harsher penalties that would encourage members of the crowd to think twice before attempting to enter the field of play."