Latest news with #Hooper
Economic Times
6 hours ago
- Sport
- Economic Times
Who is James Hooper? The controversial NRL reporter sacked over drink-driving charge
Long-time journalist with a history of controversies steps down from media roles following latest incident. (Image: Instagram/jameshooper01) James Hooper, a veteran rugby league journalist and regular face on Fox Sports' NRL 360, has been sacked by the network after being charged with drink-driving in Sydney. As first reported by The Daily Telegraph, the incident allegedly took place in Leichhardt on Thursday night, July 31. Hooper has also resigned from his role as a sideline reporter on Triple M, according to Southern Cross Austereo, which confirmed to Also Read: Father Chris Riley AM dies, a tireless advocate for disadvantaged youth no more His last appearance on NRL 360 aired just a day before the alleged offence. Fox Sports' managing director, Steve Crawley, confirmed the decision was effective immediately, citing Hooper's past contributions and acknowledging his ongoing personal struggles, as the Courier Mail reported. 'James has been a great contributor since he joined us in 2016, but he's also battled some significant personal issues from time to time,' Crawley said in a statement. James Hooper has been a prominent yet polarising figure in Australian sports journalism for over a decade. Known for his no-holds-barred commentary and tabloid-style reporting, Hooper was often featured in NRL 360 debates and contributed columns to Fox Sports. But his career has also been marred by a string of 2018, Hooper was charged by police with destroying and damaging property. Four years later, in 2022, he was involved in a heated on-air exchange with fellow Triple M broadcaster Anthony Maroon, which resulted in Maroon walking off the broadcast. According to a report by the incident sparked public debate, with allegations of bullying against Hooper and his co-hosts, Gordon Tallis and Paul Kent. His recent dismissal follows a troubling pattern, with the alleged drink-driving charge becoming the latest in a list of personal and professional setbacks.
Time of India
7 hours ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Who is James Hooper? The controversial NRL reporter sacked over drink-driving charge
James Hooper , a veteran rugby league journalist and regular face on Fox Sports ' NRL 360 , has been sacked by the network after being charged with drink-driving in Sydney. As first reported by The Daily Telegraph, the incident allegedly took place in Leichhardt on Thursday night, July 31. Hooper has also resigned from his role as a sideline reporter on Triple M , according to Southern Cross Austereo, which confirmed to Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Operations Management Technology Design Thinking Product Management Leadership Data Science healthcare Data Science Public Policy Management PGDM Cybersecurity MBA others Finance Project Management MCA Degree Data Analytics Healthcare Artificial Intelligence Others Digital Marketing CXO Skills you'll gain: Quality Management & Lean Six Sigma Analytical Tools Supply Chain Management & Strategies Service Operations Management Duration: 10 Months IIM Lucknow IIML Executive Programme in Strategic Operations Management & Supply Chain Analytics Starts on Jan 27, 2024 Get Details Also Read: Father Chris Riley AM dies, a tireless advocate for disadvantaged youth no more by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Elegant New Scooters For Seniors In 2024: The Prices May Surprise You Mobility Scooter | Search Ads Learn More Undo His last appearance on NRL 360 aired just a day before the alleged offence. Fox Sports' managing director, Steve Crawley, confirmed the decision was effective immediately, citing Hooper's past contributions and acknowledging his ongoing personal struggles , as the Courier Mail reported. Live Events 'James has been a great contributor since he joined us in 2016, but he's also battled some significant personal issues from time to time,' Crawley said in a statement. Who is James Hooper? James Hooper has been a prominent yet polarising figure in Australian sports journalism for over a decade. Known for his no-holds-barred commentary and tabloid-style reporting, Hooper was often featured in NRL 360 debates and contributed columns to Fox Sports. But his career has also been marred by a string of controversies. In 2018, Hooper was charged by police with destroying and damaging property. Four years later, in 2022, he was involved in a heated on-air exchange with fellow Triple M broadcaster Anthony Maroon, which resulted in Maroon walking off the broadcast. According to a report by the incident sparked public debate, with allegations of bullying against Hooper and his co-hosts, Gordon Tallis and Paul Kent. His recent dismissal follows a troubling pattern, with the alleged drink-driving charge becoming the latest in a list of personal and professional setbacks.
Powys County Times
24-07-2025
- Politics
- Powys County Times
Sixteen arrested after protest outside migrant hotel in Epping
Police have arrested 16 people after a protest outside a migrant hotel last week. Essex Police said a small number of people had used a peaceful demonstration last Thursday as cover to commit violent disorder and criminal damage. The protest, outside the Bell Hotel in Epping, began peacefully but escalated into what officers described as 'scattered incidents of violence' targeting police and property. Eight officers were injured and a number of police vehicles were damaged as missiles were thrown. Further protests in Epping are being planned for Thursday night, Essex Police said. The force will ban face coverings at the protests and enforce designated areas where people can lawfully 'make their voices heard'. Six people have been charged in relation to the action last Thursday. Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Hooper, Essex Police, said: 'We know there are more plans for protest in Epping tonight. 'We've got a really robust plan in place for this, to protect the people of Epping against anyone who turns up to commit crime and violent disorder.' A Section 60AA order, under the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, will be in place on face coverings. 'If you wear one, we'll order you to take it off. If you don't take it off, you'll be arrested', Mr Hooper said. Police are also using extra powers, under Sections 12 and 14 of the Public Order Act 1986, to 'put restrictions on people who plan to assemble or to take part in any kind of procession'. Designated protest areas are directly opposite the Bell Hotel 'and will have their own designated entry and exit routes', the assistant chief constable added. There will also be sites near the Civic Centre, and he said 'if you move from the Bell Hotel to the Civic Centre, you will not be able to return'. He said all protest activity should cease by 10pm, adding: 'To be clear, you will not be able to get in the way of people getting on with their daily lives in Epping. This is a priority.' Kenneth Blissett, 34, of Long Banks, Harlow, Essex, was charged on Thursday with theft of police equipment and possession of an offensive weapon. He remains on bail and will appear at Colchester Magistrates' Court on September 30. Another man in his 20s was detained at an address in Harlow at about 5.45pm on Wednesday on suspicion of violent disorder. He remains in custody for questioning and police say they have seized evidence from the scene. Officers are also appealing for information about two men they want to speak to in connection with the violence. Martin Peagram, 33, who has links to Stansted, Essex, is described as 6ft, of slim build, with short brown hair and facial stubble. Philip Curson, 52, who has no fixed address, is 5ft 8in, stocky, with short brown hair and full tattoo sleeves on both arms, as well as tattoos on his neck. Essex Police said they are no longer seeking Shaun Thompson, 37, who was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder and remains in custody. Mr Hooper said: 'We'd promised that we'd continue our investigations into the unacceptable actions of a small number of people who chose to take advantage of peaceful protest to try to cause harm to people in Epping or to property. 'We've been analysing footage and we have investigators and trained detectives working on this operation. 'We are identifying suspects and there will be more arrests in the coming days. 'Put simply, if you turn up to try to cause trouble, you won't get away with it.' Detectives have also released body-worn video showing one of the arrests. The latest developments come as police are braced for further protests, and the Government and law enforcement have vowed to act swiftly if unrest spreads. The Epping protest was sparked by the charging of asylum-seeker Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, 38, with sexual assault after he allegedly attempted to kiss a 14-year-old girl. He denied the charge at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court and will stand trial in August. The protest has drawn national attention and sparked a political row, with Reform UK leader Nigel Farage calling for Essex Police Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington to resign over claims that officers transported left-wing protesters to the scene, claims the chief constable has denied.
South Wales Guardian
24-07-2025
- Politics
- South Wales Guardian
Sixteen arrested after protest outside migrant hotel in Epping
Essex Police said a small number of people had used a peaceful demonstration last Thursday as cover to commit violent disorder and criminal damage. The protest, outside the Bell Hotel in Epping, began peacefully but escalated into what officers described as 'scattered incidents of violence' targeting police and property. Eight officers were injured and a number of police vehicles were damaged as missiles were thrown. Further protests in Epping are being planned for Thursday night, Essex Police said. The force will ban face coverings at the protests and enforce designated areas where people can lawfully 'make their voices heard'. Six people have been charged in relation to the action last Thursday. Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Hooper, Essex Police, said: 'We know there are more plans for protest in Epping tonight. 'We've got a really robust plan in place for this, to protect the people of Epping against anyone who turns up to commit crime and violent disorder.' A Section 60AA order, under the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, will be in place on face coverings. 'If you wear one, we'll order you to take it off. If you don't take it off, you'll be arrested', Mr Hooper said. Police are also using extra powers, under Sections 12 and 14 of the Public Order Act 1986, to 'put restrictions on people who plan to assemble or to take part in any kind of procession'. Designated protest areas are directly opposite the Bell Hotel 'and will have their own designated entry and exit routes', the assistant chief constable added. There will also be sites near the Civic Centre, and he said 'if you move from the Bell Hotel to the Civic Centre, you will not be able to return'. He said all protest activity should cease by 10pm, adding: 'To be clear, you will not be able to get in the way of people getting on with their daily lives in Epping. This is a priority.' Kenneth Blissett, 34, of Long Banks, Harlow, Essex, was charged on Thursday with theft of police equipment and possession of an offensive weapon. He remains on bail and will appear at Colchester Magistrates' Court on September 30. Another man in his 20s was detained at an address in Harlow at about 5.45pm on Wednesday on suspicion of violent disorder. He remains in custody for questioning and police say they have seized evidence from the scene. Officers are also appealing for information about two men they want to speak to in connection with the violence. Martin Peagram, 33, who has links to Stansted, Essex, is described as 6ft, of slim build, with short brown hair and facial stubble. Philip Curson, 52, who has no fixed address, is 5ft 8in, stocky, with short brown hair and full tattoo sleeves on both arms, as well as tattoos on his neck. Essex Police said they are no longer seeking Shaun Thompson, 37, who was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder and remains in custody. Mr Hooper said: 'We'd promised that we'd continue our investigations into the unacceptable actions of a small number of people who chose to take advantage of peaceful protest to try to cause harm to people in Epping or to property. 'We've been analysing footage and we have investigators and trained detectives working on this operation. 'We are identifying suspects and there will be more arrests in the coming days. 'Put simply, if you turn up to try to cause trouble, you won't get away with it.' Detectives have also released body-worn video showing one of the arrests. The latest developments come as police are braced for further protests, and the Government and law enforcement have vowed to act swiftly if unrest spreads. The Epping protest was sparked by the charging of asylum-seeker Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, 38, with sexual assault after he allegedly attempted to kiss a 14-year-old girl. He denied the charge at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court and will stand trial in August. The protest has drawn national attention and sparked a political row, with Reform UK leader Nigel Farage calling for Essex Police Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington to resign over claims that officers transported left-wing protesters to the scene, claims the chief constable has denied.
Metro
24-07-2025
- Politics
- Metro
Protesters swarm 'sold out' council meeting on future of Epping migrant hotel
Dozens of anti-migrant protesters have descended on Epping ahead of a council meeting on the future of the controversial hotel housing asylum seekers. Riot police are out in force as activists marched through the heavy rain with England flags emblazoned with 'The Only Way is Epping' through the usually sleepy Essex town on Thursday. A motion due to be heard by the council will call on the Government to 'immediately and permanently close the Bell Hotel' after mass protests. Epping Forest District Council closed the town hall early to allow staff to get out of the way of the protest as they announced all Eventbrite tickets had been allocated for the meeting by midday. Only locals would be allowed inside for the vote with no placards or masks allowed inside the council chambers. An agenda reads: 'These hotels, situated just 2.5 miles apart, have been at the centre of multiple serious incidents in recent weeks, including: the arrest and charging of an individual for the sexual assault of a schoolgirl in Epping town centre. 'And the arrest of another individual for arson, who is believed to have moved between the two hotels.' They added: 'Tensions are rising in the community, exacerbated by the historical presence of far-right groups in the area, such as the Homeland Party and formerly elected British National Party councillors.' Essex Police announced they had arrested 16 people after a wave of protests turned violent last week. The force will ban face coverings at the protests and enforce designated areas where people can lawfully 'make their voices heard'. Eight officers were injured and a number of police vehicles were damaged as missiles were thrown. Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Hooper, Essex Police, said: 'We know there are more plans for protest in Epping tonight. 'We've got a really robust plan in place for this, to protect the people of Epping against anyone who turns up to commit crime and violent disorder.' A Section 60AA order, under the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, will be in place on face coverings. 'If you wear one, we'll order you to take it off. If you don't take it off, you'll be arrested', Mr Hooper said. Police are also using extra powers, under Sections 12 and 14 of the Public Order Act 1986, to 'put restrictions on people who plan to assemble or to take part in any kind of procession'. Designated protest areas are directly opposite the Bell Hotel 'and will have their own designated entry and exit routes', the assistant chief constable added. There will also be sites near the Civic Centre, and he said 'if you move from the Bell Hotel to the Civic Centre, you will not be able to return'. He said all protest activity should cease by 10pm, adding: 'To be clear, you will not be able to get in the way of people getting on with their daily lives in Epping. This is a priority.' Kenneth Blissett, 34, of Long Banks, Harlow, Essex, was charged on Thursday with theft of police equipment and possession of an offensive weapon. He remains on bail and will appear at Colchester Magistrates' Court on September 30. Another man in his 20s was detained at an address in Harlow at about 5.45pm on Wednesday on suspicion of violent disorder. He remains in custody for questioning and police say they have seized evidence from the scene. Officers are also appealing for information about two men they want to speak to in connection with the violence. Martin Peagram, 33, who has links to Stansted, Essex, is described as 6ft, of slim build, with short brown hair and facial stubble. Philip Curson, 52, who has no fixed address, is 5ft 8in, stocky, with short brown hair and full tattoo sleeves on both arms, as well as tattoos on his neck. Essex Police said they are no longer seeking Shaun Thompson, 37, who was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder and remains in custody. Mr Hooper said: 'We'd promised that we'd continue our investigations into the unacceptable actions of a small number of people who chose to take advantage of peaceful protest to try to cause harm to people in Epping or to property. 'We've been analysing footage and we have investigators and trained detectives working on this operation. 'We are identifying suspects and there will be more arrests in the coming days. 'Put simply, if you turn up to try to cause trouble, you won't get away with it.' Detectives have also released body-worn video showing one of the arrests. The latest developments come as police are braced for further protests, and the Government and law enforcement have vowed to act swiftly if unrest spreads. The Epping protest was sparked by the charging of asylum-seeker Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, 38, with sexual assault after he allegedly attempted to kiss a 14-year-old girl. He denied the charge at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court and will stand trial in August. The protest has drawn national attention and sparked a political row, with Reform UK leader Nigel Farage calling for Essex Police Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington to resign over claims that officers transported left-wing protesters to the scene, claims the chief constable has denied. MORE: 'Ring of steel' around 4-star hotel in London after anti-migrant protests MORE: Police blast 'hooligans' for £100,000 cost of Epping migrant hotel disorder MORE: Residents left 'sickened' after protesters clash with police over migrant hotel
