CCTV footage has revealed the chaotic moments following the alleged drunk driving incident involving former Fox Sports reporter James Hooper in Sydney. The 47-year-old reportedly crashed his utility vehicle into three parked cars while nearly five times above the legal alcohol limit on Thursday night in Leichhardt.
Witness Paul Green was the first to arrive at the scene and observed Hooper’s eagerness to leave the area. According to Green, Hooper attempted to reverse away from the parked vehicles he had struck, but became trapped. The CCTV showed Hooper making attempts to distance himself from the incident, pacing past the scene and then wandering up the street. Green noted that Hooper went the wrong way for a time before eventually returning and heading towards his home, where he was subsequently apprehended by the police near a roundabout.
As a result of the incident, Hooper was charged with high-range drink driving and failing to provide his details to the affected vehicle owners. He is scheduled to appear in court at Downing Centre in September. In the aftermath of the crash, he was dismissed from his role as an NRL reporter at Fox Sports.
Expressing his remorse, Hooper stated, “I’ve let the game of rugby league, my employers, my wife, and kids down terribly.” Fox Sports acknowledged his contributions to the organisation while also highlighting his struggles with personal issues.