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Gareth Hock Trial Adjourned to May 2026 After Judge Falls Ill

The judge’s unexpected illness halted proceedings, with a pre-trial hearing slated next month followed by a full trial in May 2026.

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Overview

  • The Manchester trial, which opened on July 15 at Minshull Street Crown Court, was suspended when the presiding judge became unwell and could not continue.
  • Hock, 39, has pleaded not guilty to ten charges including two counts of rape, five counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, assault by beating, controlling or coercive behaviour and perverting the course of justice.
  • Prosecutors detailed alleged incidents dating back to 2009 in which Hock is accused of punching the complainant, throwing a TV remote and a stone at her, and using coercive phone calls to discourage reporting.
  • The unnamed victim retains lifetime anonymity under UK sexual offence law and the case will return for a preliminary hearing next month.
  • A former England and Great Britain rugby league international with over 300 career appearances, Hock retired in 2019 and faces decades behind bars if convicted.