Former NRL player granted bail after DV allegations, dramatic police pursuit

Former NRL and State of Origin player Chris Walker was allegedly on drugs when arrested over domestic violence allegations following a two-hour police pursuit which ended with him in a nearby canal telling police he was “going for a swim”, a court has heard.

The 46-year-old applied for bail on Monday after he was arrested on Saturday evening on the Gold Coast and charged in relation to domestic violence allegations.

Walker allegedly fled in a ute down a nearby street when police attempted to arrest him at his home, before abandoning the car and running, jumping over fences and into a nearby backyard.

Officers combed the streets surrounding Whitsunday Drive in Currumbin Waters, before Walker was allegedly found after a two-hour search hiding under a pontoon in nearby canals.

Police said Walker had been charged with several offences, including three counts of common assault. He also faces charges of using a carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence, and unlawful stalking, intimidation, harassing or abuse.

Walker’s bail application was heard in the Southport Magistrates Court on Monday, where his barrister Thomas Polley told the court his client had alcohol problems and in the last two weeks had “fell off the wagon”.

The court heard Walker was allegedly involved in a dispute on March 12, and became physical. He later visited the complainant’s workplace, and argued with staff members.

The prosecution told the court on March 14 at 2am, he drove to the alleged victim’s house, before trespassing onto a neighbour’s property.

The court heard Walker was eventually found at the pontoon, where he told police he was “going for a swim”.

The prosecution said he was on drugs at the time of his arrest.

Walker was granted bail, with a series of conditions including that he must take part in a rehabilitation program and alcohol and drug testing, and must not enter the greater Gold Coast region or contact the complainant in the case.

Walker played for several clubs in the NRL from 1999 to 2011, including for the Brisbane Broncos and Sydney Roosters. He also had stints with the South Sydney Rabbitohs, Melbourne Storm, Gold Coast Titans, Parramatta Eels and French club Catalans Dragons.

He also played for the Queensland Maroons in the 2001 and 2002 State of Origin series.