John Hopoate: Former NRL star back in court to face another serious driving charge
A former NRL player is back before the courts over an alleged Sydney driving offence that can result in up to 12 months jail time.
Manly
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Ex-NRL bad boy John Hopoate has been whacked with yet another traffic charge for allegedly driving his car while his licence was disqualified.
The latest alleged offence comes just five months after the former Sea Eagles, State of Origin and Australian league test star was banned from driving for 12 months by Manly Local Court.
Hopoate, 51, who now faces a possible jail term if convicted, was handed the lengthy disqualification in July last year after he was convicted of driving on a suspended licence.
The footy player from Dee Why, and former pro-boxer, had been caught driving while suspended when police investigated an alleged “road rage” incident involving Hopoate at Narraweena on January 4 last year.
Video footage emerged showing the one-time Manly premiership winner in an incident with another driver.
It captured Hopoate, who became infamous after being suspended for 12 weeks for poking his finger in the buttocks of opposing players, standing over another man, pointing a finger at him and yelling.
Below the social media post, Hopoate wrote that he was not the instigator of the melee.
“When you’re (six-foot-eight) and think your size can intimidate anyone when you get out of your car and punch my mirror and swung at me during your road rage,” he wrote.
Last week, police withdrew an offensive conduct charge against Hopoate over the incident.
His traffic record, tendered to Manly court in July, showed he had been suspended from driving 13 times in the past.
Police now allege in court that Hopoate was stopped by police while was driving on December 16 last year.
In documents tendered in Manly Court on Wednesday, police alleged he was stopped at Collaroy at 7.30am. Hopoate, who was not required in court, was charged with one count of drive while disqualified – second offence.
The maximum jail term for a second offence of driving while disqualified is 12 months if found guilty.
He is yet to enter a formal plea. The matter returns to court on February 13 for a plea or mention.
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