FORMER rugby league player Gareth Hock has been charged with a number of offences by police.

The 39-year-old former Wigan Warriors forward has been charged with controlling and coercive behaviour, as well as with two driving offences.

With the latter two, it is alleged that Hock, having been the driver of a vehicle involved in a road accident, failed to report that accident.

It is also accused that, as the driver of a vehicle, failed to stop after a road accident.

These two charges relate to a reported accident involving an Audi A6 on Gathurst Road in Orrell on November 11 last year.

Hock appeared before Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court on February 16.

He is next due to appear before Manchester Crown Square Crown Court later this month.

Capped by his country on nine occasions, Hock scored 10 tries in 18 appearances for Widnes during the 2013 season.

As well as Wigan, he turned out for Widnes, Salford, Leigh, Featherstone and Barrow before retiring from the sport in 2019.