A shell-shocked Sam Burgess has launched an appeal after he was found guilty of intimidation and sentenced to a two-year good behaviour bond.
Magistrate Robert Babbidge handed down the verdict in Moss Vale Local Court after ruling the retired NRL star intimidated his former father-in-law Mitchell Hooke in October, 2019.
During last month’s trial, Burgess admitted trading insults with Mr Hooke, the father of his ex-wife Phoebe, during a heated argument but denied threatening him.
Burgess pleaded not guilty to the charge of intimidation and another count of common assault in relation to the incident at the Hooke family home outside of Bowral.
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In finding the ex-England captain guilty of intimidation Magistrate Babbidge said, ‘An angered Sam Burgess would indeed be a frightening figure to most Australians’.
He also rejected Burgess’ claim that Mr Hooke and Phoebe had launched an orchestrated campaign to destroy his career.
Burgess, who r emains stood down from his roles as an assistant coach at South Sydney and a Fox Sports NRL pundit, was in disbelief when he briefly addressed reporters outside of the court.
“(I’m) confused with the decision, we’ve appealed the decision, I’m innocent,” Burgess said.
Meanwhile, there was high drama before Friday’s verdict amid revelations Mr Hooke claimed the magistrate had a conflict of interest due to a previous disagreement between members of their families in an email on Thursday night.
Magistrate Babbidge rejected those claims and proceeded with the case, ruling in Mr. Hooke’s favour.
