Rugby league star Zak Hardaker, 32, is spared jail for drink-driving

An England rugby league star ‘flipped’ his automobile at excessive speeds as he was adopted by police whereas drink-driving, a court docket heard.

Zak Hardaker was given a driving ban simply days earlier than he is because of take the sphere for Leigh Leopards of their Super League opener in opposition to Huddersfield on Friday.

It is the second time Hardaker – who appeared carrying a white shirt, darkish jumper and good khaki checked overcoat – has been banned for drink driving.

He has additionally beforehand been banned from taking part in for 14 months for taking cocaine, thrown out of a World Cup camp after admitting assault and suspended for making homophobic feedback.

The former Man of Steel, 32, was being adopted by an unmarked police car when his automobile overturned within the early hours of January 31 close to Knottingley, West Yorks.

England rugby league star Zak Hardaker was spared jail however handed a driving ban after drink-driving whereas being adopted by police, a court docket heard

Hardaker has beforehand confronted a 14-month ban for taking cocaine and suspended for making homophobic feedback

Leeds Magistrates’ Court was instructed on Wednesday that Hardaker, of Pontefract, had dropped a pal off after going socialising when the police automobile started following him.

The prosecutor instructed the court docket police needed to drive at 88mph to maintain up with Hardaker, who beforehand performed for Leeds Rhinos and Wigan Warriors in his profession.

When the police automobile turned its lights on, Hardaker slammed on the brakes, however misplaced management as a result of pace he was driving.

The court docket court docket his automobile flipped right into a roadside embankment.

Hardaker blew 55 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath, in extra of the authorized restrict of 35mcg.

His solicitor instructed the court docket he had ‘miscalculated’ his drinks all through the night.

And he feared he could also be carjacked or that the automobile wished to race, resulting in him rising his pace to at the very least 70mph in a residential space.

Hardaker’s medical exemption for ADHD remedy expired final yr, which the court docket was instructed was ‘the primary domino to fall; in resulting in the drink driving offence.

References from his mom and Leigh Leopards participant welfare officer have been additionally handed to the bench for consideration.

It was additionally heard because the offence he had abstained from alcohol, contacted Sporting Chance for assist with alcohol associated points, and reapplied for his ADHD medical exemption so he can take his remedy with out risking breaching doping guidelines.

Hardaker blew 55 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath, in extra of the authorized restrict of 35mcg

His solicitor conceded Hardaker could also be unable to proceed his profession on the Challenge Cup holders because of shedding his licence, and his place as a task mannequin has been destroyed.

Magistrates handed Hardaker a three-year driving disqualification and fined him £1,346, with a sufferer surcharge of £538 and court docket prices of £85, for a complete of £1,969.

The chair of the bench warned: ‘It’s actually necessary that you don’t drive at some point of this ban or you would simply find yourself in jail.’

In an announcement, his membership Leigh Leopards – who gained the game’s Challenge Cup final yr – stated: ‘Leigh Leopards are conscious of a drink drive incident involving Zak Hardaker.

‘The membership was made conscious of the state of affairs on the earliest alternative and has supported Zak since and can proceed to take action.

‘The membership will probably be making no additional remark.