Sam Burgess charged with domestic violence offence

Just hours after announcing his retirement from the NRL on Wednesday, former Rabbitoh star Sam Burgess was charged with intimidation over an alleged altercation with his father-in-law Mitchell Hooke near Bowral.

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Rugby league star Sam Burgess has been charged with intimidation over an alleged altercation with his father-in-law near Bowral.

Police applied for an apprehended domestic violence order on behalf of Mitchell Hooke following the argument at the Hooke family’s property on October 19.

Mitch Hooke, Sam Burgess and Phoebe Hooke. Picture: Instagram.

Officers followed up on Wednesday, serving a court attendance notice on his lawyer for the criminal offence of intimidation (domestic violence related).

“About 4pm on Saturday 19 October 2019, police were called to an address at Glenquarry, east of Bowral, in relation to a domestic dispute,” police said in a statement.

“Police from The Hume Police District attended and an Apprehended Domestic Violence Order was applied for on behalf of a 63-year-old man.

“Following further inquiries, on Wednesday 30 October 2019, a 30-year-old man was charged with the offence of Intimidation (DV related). It’s alleged the man intimidated the older man during the incident.”

Sam Burgess pictured strolling along Cabo Beach in Mexico on Wednesday. Picture: BACKGRID

Mitch Hooke walks daughter Phoebe to the alter to marry Sam Burgess in Bowral.

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It is understood Burgess was at Mr Hooke’s home that day to see his own children.

His estranged wife Phoebe — with whom he has two young children — was not at the house at the time and it is not alleged Burgess did anything wrong by visiting.

It is understood a conversation between Burgess and Mr Hooke, the former CEO of the Minerals Council, allegedly escalated into an argument and Mr Hooke told the Rabbitohs superstar to leave.

The family together at Redfern Oval in March. Picture: Richard Dobson

Burgess posted this image on Saturday, October 19, of him with his children. Picture: Instagram

Injury forced Sam Burgess into early retirement on Wednesday, the same day the charge of intimidation was laid.

Souths co-owner Russell Crowe, who brought Sam Burgess to the NRL, lauded the big Englishman’s contribution to the club.

Burgess agreed to leave when asked, with the pair allegedly continuing to argue as he left. It is understood police were called after Burgess left the house.

Burgess was spotted partying in Mexico this week on a boat off Cabo. Picture: Instagram

The ADVO prevents Burgess from going with 1km of the Hooke property. “(Burgess) must not go within 1000 metres of; any place where Mitchell Hooke lives, any place where he works or (the family’s Glenquarry home),” the order reads.

“Burgess must not do any of the following to Mitchell Hooke, or anyone he has a domestic relationship with; assault or threaten him, stalk, harass or intimidate him, and intentionally or recklessly destroy or damage any property that belongs to or is in the possession of Mitchell Hooke.”

Burgess is now expected to have his ADVO matter listed in Moss Vale Local Court on November 6 and the first mention for the criminal charge listed in the same court on December 18.

On Wednesday, Burgess was forced into early retirement because of ongoing injuries. He is currently in Mexico and has been spotted partying on boats and hitting the local beach.