Rugby star flipped car in 88mph drink-drive crash while being followed by cops

15 February 2024 , 12:56

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Zak Hardaker has been banned from driving for three years (Image: PA)

Zak Hardaker flipped his car after crashing while driving over the limit and being followed by the police.

Hardaker has been banned from driving for the second time after being found to have 55 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath, well over the legal limit of 35mcg, on January 31. The 32-year-old Leigh Leopards player has been banned from driving for three years and fined £1,346.

Leeds Magistrates' Court heard Hardaker was driving near Knottingley, Pontefract, after dropping off a friend when police began to follow him. The officer had to drive at 88mph to keep up with him and then saw his car flip into a roadside embankment shortly after the police lights were turned on.

Hardaker’s lawyer told the court he "miscalculated" his drinks that night. He was ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £538 and court costs of £85, for a total of £1,969. Leigh said in a statement: "Leigh Leopards are aware of a drink drive incident involving Zak Hardaker. The club was made aware of the situation at the earliest opportunity and has supported Zak since and will continue to do so. The club will be making no further comment."

The 32-year-old is due to play for Leigh in their Super League opener against Huddersfield Giants on Friday night. His club have chosen to stick by him, despite a string of off-field problems.

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In 2018, Hardaker was handed a 20-month driving ban after being twice over the legal limit while serving a 14-month ban from playing following a positive test for cocaine on the eve of the 2017 Grand Final. He then underwent alcohol rehabilitation treatment with the Sporting Chance Clinic in an attempt to salvage his career.

Zak Hardaker plays for Leigh Leopards in the Super League (Getty Images)

The centre was kicked out of England’s 2013 World Cup squad for off-field issues and was given a five-match ban for using homophobic language during a Leeds Rhinos game the following year. In 2015, he admitted assaulting a student in Headingley, Leeds.

Speaking to Mirror Sport in August, he said: “I don’t know what I was doing when I was younger. Obviously I wasn’t paying attention as much. Things in my life are a lot different to what I had before, especially with my kids. Things I set out to do now are more for them than me.”

Last season, Hardaker helped Leigh win the Challenge Cup for the first time in 52 years and also guided them into the play-offs. The former Man of Steel who also won three Grand Finals and a World Club Challenge with Leeds.

Hardaker has also represented Featherstone, Castleford and Wigan over the course of his career.

Felix Keith