Hoppa smashed some drunk

Seeing as the first line is

I didn't read it that way at all.

 

true...journos are still ****s though :yep

 

Hoppa pleads NOT guilty to common assault. But no plea on the other two charges:

http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-new...ads-not-guilty-to-assault-20110111-19lvn.html

(sounds like a little plea bargaining might be taking place)

 

John Hopoate in clear over Trademark death



FORMER rugby league star John Hopoate will not be charged by police over the fatal bashing of a man outside the Trademark Hotel.

Kings Cross detectives have narrowed their focus to three security guards, identified as "principals" by police, who were involved in the brawl which allegedly killed Wilson Duque Castillo on December 18.
The trio are poised to face charges of affray, although a murder/manslaughter brief is being put together and is more likely to go ahead, The Sunday Telegraph has been told.
Hopoate who was acting in a non-security role as a Responsible Service of Alcohol officer at Trademark, was questioned and later charged with assaulting Mr Castillo's brother, Wilmer, who suffered facial injuries.
He has pleaded not guilty to one charge of common assault and has not entered pleas for two other charges of affray and assault occasioning actual bodily harm in company.




Police are running two separate investigations over the fight, with officers continuing to appeal for witnesses to come forward as a matter of urgency.
Mr Castillo, a 33-year-old father and housepainter, was allegedly bashed in front of passers by, leaving him fighting for life in hospital. He was in a coma until January 3 when his family decided to switch off his life support machine.
Mr Castillo, his brother and another man were all refused entry to the Trademark venue about 11pm that night before a fight broke out between the trio and up to five security guards.
A separate licensing investigation is under way into the Trademark Hotel. Part of the licensing case will probe whether Hopoate was instructed by management to assist with security tasks.