Disgraced former NRL player Jamil Hopoate has been denied the chance to travel to Queensland for a charity event over the weekend.
The son of former footy bad boy John Hopoate had his matter mentioned in Downing Centre Local Court on Thursday after he was arrested over allegedly accessing a truck linked to a massive $154-million cocaine haul at Port Botany in May 2021.
Solicitor Feddy Kak, acting for Hopoate, asked if his client’s bail variations could be varied so he can travel to Queensland for a charity event.
“I ask if the court would allow Mr Hopoate to attend a charity event in Queensland and have his conditions suspended for just this weekend,” Mr Kak asked Magistrate John McIntosh.
“I understand the court has concerns considering he will be in a different state but he will be travelling with a team.
“It is a charity event and he will be back on the same weekend.”
A representative for the Director of Public Prosecutions told the court she opposed the application on fears Hopoate would not appear in court on the next occasion.
“I note the xjmtzywSupreme Court granted bail to specifically mitigate flight risk and there are conditions relating to passports and travel documents,” she said.
Magistrate John McIntosh said Hopoate was facing serious allegations with strict bail conditions.
While he appreciated the event was for charity, Magistrate McIntosh said he could not grant bail based on the restrictions imposed.
“I refuse the application Mr Kak, I must say, reluctantly,” his honour conceded.
The court heard discussions were still being had between the DPP and Hopoate’s legal representatives, with Mr Kak applying for a further two week adjournment.
Mr Kak told the court he is confident the parties will come to an agreement before March 17, with pleas expected to be entered.
Hopoate was granted bail in July last year with strict conditions including that he live with his brother Will and that he only leave the former Canterbury star’s Gledswood Hills home in the company of various family members.
However the conditions were changed in December when he moved to Dee Why, with the 27-year-old how allowed to leave his home by himself during a medical emergency, to attend court, to look for work or to attend work, to see his lawyers and to report to police.
Police allege Hopoate entered the truck and left with a backpack filled with fake cocaine, which police had secretly planted, before entering a car being driven by a woman.
Hopoate yelled: “Drive, drive, drive” before she sped off and almost hit a police officer, a court heard.
It is alleged Hopoate then fled on foot and threw the bag away before the two were arrested.
Hopoate was released by the Broncos at the end of the 2020 season and failed to land any new deal with a Sydney club.
The 27-year-old will appear in court on March 17.
