Former Fox Sports’ NRL reporter James Hooper has been banned from driving for two years after drunkenly smashing his ute into multiple parked cars in Sydney’s inner west.
The 47-year-old was driving through the suburb of Leichhardt about 7.30pm on August 7 when he hit three parked cars and came to a stop on Allen Street.
Hooper reportedly told police, “You got me … I’m blind,” before returning a breathalyser result suggesting he was five times over the legal limit.
On Monday, Hooper was convicted of high range drink-driving after entering a plea before the Downing Centre Local Court. Three counts of not giving his details were not entered on his criminal record, although he was found guilty.
Magistrate Christine Haskett disqualified Hooper from driving for two years and ordered him to an 18-month community corrections order, which is effectively a good behaviour bond.
Hooper will have an interlock device fitted to his car for six months – which would prevent the car from starting if alcohol is detected on his breath – according to the court orders seen by the Herald.
Fox Sports’ former chief league reporter James Hooper.Credit: Fox Sports
Witnesses said Hooper had tried to leave before police caught up with him.
“He just tried to get out of there straight away, put the car in reverse to get off the car he was collected on, and he couldn’t get off,” one witness told the media.
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