Gareth Hawke: Former rugby league star accused of rape

Garrett Hockfrom Wigan, was charged with several offences, including rape, assault and controlling or coercive behaviour, among others.

He has been remanded in custody and will appear in court at a later date.

39-year-old ex-professional rugby the league player has represented England at international level in the past and has had a challenging career.

Hawk started his career with Wigan Warriors in 2003 and hung up his boots on a solid player in 2019, playing for Lee.

Hawke made his Super League debut for Wigan in 2003 and went on to make almost 200 appearances for the Cherries and Whites, representing Great Britain and England.

However, he found himself in hot water after being banned for assaulting a match official in 2005 and then serving a two-year ban after testing positive for cocaine in 2009.

Shortly after returning from suspension, he was banned for five matches for gouging his eye, and was sent out on a season-long loan to Widnes Vikings in 2013.

His performances for the Vikings led to selection in the England squad for the 2013 Rugby World Cup, but he was dropped from the squad for a breach of team discipline after missing training after a night’s rest.

He then signed for Salford Red Devils but was again embroiled in controversy after receiving another ban for assaulting a match official when he charged at the referee mid-game.

In 2015 he left the AJ Bell Stadium for Leigh, then in 2018 he moved to Featherstone Rovers, lasting just one season before moving to Barrow Raiders. Less than half a season later he was on the move again, returning to Leigh before retiring from professional rugby league in July 2019.

After leaving professional rugby, Hock started a skip hire business business in Wigan called Warriors Skips.