Hull KR star crashed head-on into police car while drunk at the wheel

Hull Crown Court

By Simon Bristow

Hull Kingston Rovers star Brad Takairangi has received a suspended prison sentence after crashing head-on into a police car while driving the wrong way on the A63, while he was more than twice over the legal alcohol limit for driving.

Takairangi, 32, caused neck and leg injuries to the police constable in the car he hit, and has also been ordered to pay him £2,000 compensation.

When he was sentenced at Hull Crown Court today, after admitting dangerous driving and drink-driving, the region’s most senior judge, John Thackray QC, told Takairangi: “It is entirely a matter of chance that you did not kill someone.”

The court heard police had received two reports from members of the public early on January 2 about a car driving east on the westbound carriageway, near the Daltry Street flyover, with one driver having to take evasive action.

The collision took place after police set out in the Melton area, with the constable driving a marked BMW. Takairangi was said to have been driving at between 60mph and 70mph at the time of the crash.

He was found to be more than twice over the legal alcohol limit for driving in a roadside breath test.

Takairangi, of Petfield Drive, Anlaby, was told he had caused “very significant physical and psychological injuries” to the officer involved.

Judge Thackray, Honorary Recorder of Hull and the East Riding, and Resident Judge Humberside, told Takairangi he would receive the same sentence had he been “a plumber, a bricklayer a doctor or a lawyer”.

He told him: “You should not have been behind the wheel of a motor vehicle on 2 January, such was your level of intoxication.

“You were more than twice the legal limit and in no fit state to drive a motor vehicle.

“It is entirely a matter of chance that you did not kill someone.”

He said the officer was: “A man who was serving the public who bravely attended the area following reports of a vehicle being driven the wrong way along the dual carriageway.

“He did everything that he reasonably could do to prevent a collision, but such was your level of intoxication that you caused a head-on collision.”

The judge said he had read with care the constable’s victim personal statement, and said: “Whilst the court wishes him well in his recovery the court appreciates that the effects upon your victim will be long-lasting.

“I have no hesitation in concluding that your culpability is high and that you caused greater harm.”

He added: “In mitigation I take into account everything which I have heard and read. I take into account your good character.

“I take into account the attempts that you have made to rehabilitate yourself. I take into account your remorse, which having regard to your letter and the pre-sentence report, I am satisfied is genuine.”

Takairangi received a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, and was also ordered to do 300 hours of unpaid community work, the maximum available.

He was also banned from driving for two years, and must pass an extended test before he can drive again.

The community work is likely to take the form of coaching young people at rugby league clubs across Hull and the East Riding, after consultation with clubs and parents.

Takairangi, who was born in Australia but is a New Zealand international, joined Rovers in 2020 and plays as second row or centre.

He was suspended by the club following the incident but will now be considered for selection.

In a statement on the club’s website after the hearing, Rovers said: “Hull KR can confirm Hull Crown Court ​has today sentenced Brad Takairangi to a 12-month prison sentence suspended for two years and 300 hours community service for serious driving offences.

“The club have also undertaken and concluded an internal disciplinary procedure and Brad is now available for selection, if and when required.

“The club are satisfied that Brad understands the gravity of this one off incident and its potential consequences on an otherwise exemplary record, that he is genuinely remorseful and is keen to make reparation through his work in the community.

“The club do not condone anti-social behaviour of any kind, and the steps taken by the court and club today reflect that.

“Neither the club or player will comment further on the matter.”