ZCZC
BSP-06
RUGBYL-RUGBYU-ENG-AUS-BURGESS
‘Confused’ Burgess convicted of intimidation in Australia
SYDNEY, Feb 5, 2021 (BSS/AFP) – Former England dual rugby international Sam
Burgess was found guilty in a Sydney court Friday of intimidating his ex-
father-in-law while in the midst of a messy marriage break-up.
Burgess, who last year stepped down from his role as a television
commentator amid allegations of drug use and domestic violence, immediately
announced he intended to appeal.
“I’m confused with the decision, I will appeal the decision and I won’t say
anything further,” he told reporters outside Sydney’s Moss Vale courthouse.
The 32-year-old was placed on a two-year good behaviour bond after being
convicted of intimidating Mitchell Hooke, father of Burgess’ ex-wife Phoebe,
during a confrontation in October 2019, the Australian Broadcasting
Corporation reported.
It said magistrate Robert Rabbidge found Hooke endured a “terrifying
experience” as Burgess loomed over him, threatening and shouting profanities
as an argument over child visitation rights escalated.
A separate charge of assault was dropped, the ABC reported.
Burgess spent most of his career in Australia with South Sydney while also
playing 24 rugby league matches for England.
He also made a brief code-switch, playing five rugby union Tests for
England, including at the 2015 World Cup.
BSS/AFP/GMR/1256 hrs