Former England rugby league international Gareth Hock has avoided prison after being convicted of assaulting a woman by throwing stones at her, causing an eye injury. The 45-year-old, who played for Wigan Warriors, Leigh Centurions, and Salford Red Devils, showed no reaction as Judge Bernadette Baxter handed him an 18-month community order with 200 hours of unpaid work at Minshull Street Crown Court on Tuesday.
Attack and Conviction
Prosecutor Callum Stevens told the court that Hock, from Leigh, was 'in drink' when he threw stones at the woman, leaving her eye 'fully black and blue'. The judge described the behavior as 'disgraceful', stating: 'I do not accept you did not intend to throw stones at her. You completely lost your temper.' Hock had denied section 47 assault but was convicted by a jury. The stones were considered a 'weapon equivalent' by the prosecution, and Hock had two previous convictions for dissimilar crimes.
Sentencing Considerations
Judge Baxter noted Hock's time spent in custody on remand and on curfew, saying any prison sentence would be less than 12 months. 'I do not see the real purpose of sending you to prison for such a short period of time,' she said. She also highlighted Hock's 'addiction issues' and 'limited insight' into his crime. Hock's barrister, Vanessa Thomson KC, had urged for a 'proportionate' sentence.
Acquittals and Other Charges
Following a three-week trial in May, Hock was cleared of two counts of rape, four counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, assault by beating, and perverting the course of justice. Jurors found him guilty of one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm but were unable to reach a verdict on a count of controlling or coercive behavior. Prosecutors decided against a retrial on that charge.
Victim's Account and Hock's Defense
The trial heard the woman told police Hock's behavior changed following 'drink and drug binges'. She alleged he was responsible for a series of physical attacks and that after his arrest, Hock called her saying: 'Just drop the charges. My name will be in all the papers. All the stuff you're saying... you're lying.' Hock claimed during the stone-throwing incident that the woman was drunk and he had had two glasses of wine. 'I just picked some gravel from the ground and threw them up. I didn't intend to hurt her,' he said. He denied knowing the stones made contact and said he 'was all over the shop'. Hock also alleged the woman had grabbed a 'meat fork' and attacked him in another incident.
