NSW:Hopoate convicted over Kings Cross assault

AAP General News (Australia)
04-19-2011
NSW:Hopoate convicted over Kings Cross assault

SYDNEY, April 19 AAP - Former rugby league international John Hopoate has been convicted
and fined after pleading guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm over a bashing
in Sydney's nightclub district Kings Cross.

The 37-year-old faced Sydney's Downing Centre Local Court on Tuesday when he was also
placed on a 12-month good behaviour bond.

Two other charges relating to the December 18 incident, including common assault and
affray, were dropped.

The former top-level rugby league player and heavyweight boxing champion sat quietly
in court throughout his hearing, wearing a grey check suit.

It was in contrast to his last appearance in January, when he clashed with reporters
by standing in the doorway blocking access to the courtroom.

Hopoate was working as a responsible service of alcohol officer at the Trademark Hotel
at the time of the December 18 brawl in which Wilson Duque Castillo, 33, was bashed and
later died.

Mr Castillo slipped into a coma and never regained consciousness, while his 27-year-old
brother, Wilmer, suffered facial injuries.

Lynn Matia, 35, a security guard, has been charged with the manslaughter of Mr Castillo.

Police alleged the men and a friend were refused entry to the venue and then chased
when one of them threatened door staff.

Hopoate was arrested the following day and was later charged over the attack on Wilmer.

His lawyer Stephen Alexander told the court on Tuesday his client was provoked during
the incident and hit on the head with a belt buckle.

Mr Alexander said the victim had produced a paint scraper and showed it to security
instead of walking away after being told to leave.

The victim then picked up a table, lifted it over his head and dropped it on the floor,
the court was told.

Mr Alexander said there had been no physical contact and his client then acted in self-defence.

But Mr Alexander said Hopoate later overstepped the mark when he punched and kicked
the victim while he was restrained on the ground.

Magistrate Janet Wahlquist took into account his admirable contribution to the community
and early guilty plea but said the offence was serious and his behaviour "completely unacceptable".

He was fined $1000 and ordered to pay $79 court costs.

AAP bzs/tr/jnb/apm

KEYWORD: HOPOATE

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