Brenda Hopoate, wife of John Hopoate, charged following shock video of toddler in car

The wife of former NRL star John Hopoate has been charged with refusing to provide the details of a driver alleged to have failed to secure a child in her car.

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The wife of former NRL star John Hopoate has been charged with refusing to provide the details of a driver alleged to have failed to secure a child in her car.

Chief Inspector Phil Brooks, of the NSW Police Traffic and Highway Patrol, confirmed that Brenda Hopoate, aged 46, had been charged earlier today.

A photo of the child, who appears to not be properly restrained. Picture: Instagram/@mailehopoate

Former rugby league player John Hopoate with his wife Brenda. Picture: Brett Costello

It comes after the Manly Daily broke the story on a video, posted on social media early last week, which appeared to show a toddler incorrectly secured and sitting in the front seat of a Lexus IS250 sedan.

The video was posted on Instagram by Maile Hopoate — the daughter of John and Brenda Hopoate.

Maile Hopoate has not been charged with any offence.

The video was brought to the attention of police and officers attached to Strike Force Puma.

On Monday police attended a house at Maranui Ave, Dee Why and spoke to Brenda Hopoate.

A photo of the child, who appears to not be properly restrained. Picture: Instagram/@mailehopoate

She allegedly failed to provide details of the driver at the time of the alleged offences.

On Wednesday the woman was provided an official Form of Demand, where it’s alleged she again failed to nominate the driver at the time of the alleged offences.

The driver of the car with the baby in the front seat, who appears unrestrained. There’s no suggestion the driver is the person charged. Picture: Instagram/@mailehopoate

She was then charged with responsible person not disclose driver details and was handed a future court attendance notice.

Mrs Hopoate is due to face Manly Local Court on Wednesday, October 2.

Inquiries into the original alleged offences continue.

“We will continue our inquiries in the hope of identifying the driver,” Insp Brooks said.