Former NRL star Braith Anasta caught driving with suspended licence
FORMER rugby league star Braith Anasta has pleaded guilty to driving with a suspended licence in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, noting the difficult “family circumstances” he faces while raising three young kids.
NSW
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RETIRED rugby league legend Braith Anasta admits he was struggling with the birth of his daughter when he drove on a suspended licence in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.
The 36-year-old was behind the wheel of a Mercedes station wagon in Malabar last month when police stopped him for a random breath test which proved negative, agreed facts state.
The ex-Roosters, Bulldogs and NSW Blue said he mistakenly thought his three-month demerit point licence suspension wasn’t due to start for two days when questioned by officers about 8am on August 22.
Anasta pleaded guilty in Waverley Local Court on Wednesday where he was handed a 12-month good behaviour bond without conviction.
A letter from the Fox Sports commentator’s partner Rachael Lee was presented to court stating the couple has been doing it tough in the eight months since their daughter Gigi was born.
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The family has endured sleepless nights and other “medical issues” as the pair raise the baby girl alongside two young children, Anasta’s lawyer Justin Wong said.
Anasta was honest with officers when they pulled him over and has since been open about his “embarrassment” over the incident, Mr Wong said.
“He understands this isn’t a trivial matter,” the lawyer said.
Magistrate Michael Barko noted Anasta’s prior good character through charity work and community involvement, adding he has no criminal history.
The Coogee man welcomed his second daughter and first child with personal trainer girlfriend Ms Lee in January this year.
The newest addition to the Anasta clan was also the second child for Lee, who has one son Addison, 7, from a previous relationship.
The NRL commentator shares another daughter Aleeia with ex-wife Jodi Gordon, whom he married in Bali in a blaze of publicity in 2012 but separated from after three years.
The 2004 Bulldogs premiership player retired from the game in 2014, having enjoyed a stellar career that ended with Wests Tigers.