10 months ago
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A FORMER England rugby ace flipped his car in a drunken 88mph horror crash while being followed by police.
Zak Hardaker, 32, slammed on his brakes when he realised the unmarked police car was tailing him.
RexDue to the speed he was driving, the former Man of Steel lost control of his vehicle and overturned.
Hardaker, who is due to play for Leigh Leopards tonight, was found to have 55 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath – over the legal limit of 35mcg.
He has now been banned from driving for three years and fined £1,346.
It is the second time the star has been banned from the roads for a drink-driving offence.
Leeds Magistrates’ Court heard Hardaker had dropped off a friend when the unmarked police car started following him on January 31.
The officer had to drive at 88mph to keep up with the player, who has also played for Leeds Rhinos and Wigan Warriors.
When the police car put its lights on, Hardaker flipped into a roadside embankment.
His lawyer told the court he “miscalculated” his drinks that night but has since stayed away from alcohol.
As well as the driving ban, Hardaker was ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £538 and court costs of £85, for a total of £1,969.
The star joined newly-promoted Leigh Leopards last season and helped them win the Challenge Cup for the first time in 52 years.
But his career has been dogged by controversy after he was booted out of England’s 2013 World Cup squad for off-field issues.
Hardaker admitted assaulting a student in 2015 and was previously suspended for five games after making homophobic comments.
In 2017, he received a 14-month ban after testing positive for cocaine.
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.”
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