Sebastian Gibilisco Fined For Threatening Official
Offence:
GAR 86 (g): Mr. Sebastian Gibilisco did threaten physical harm to Bendigo Greyhound Racing Club official Mr. Daniel Pell in the vicinity of the kennel area at the Bendigo Greyhound Racing Club on Wednesday, 27 August 2014.
Report:
Following an incident at the Bendigo Greyhound Club on Wednesday, 27 August 2014 the Stewards of Greyhound Racing Victoria conducted an investigation.
During the investigation, Stewards received evidence from registered trainer Mr. Sebastian Gibilisco and Mr. Daniel Pell (Bendigo Greyhound Racing Club employee).
After considering the evidence, Stewards charged Mr. Gibilisco with a breach of Greyhounds Australasia Rules 86 (g) in that he did threaten physical harm to Bendigo Greyhound Racing Club official Mr. Daniel Pell in the vicinity of the kennel area at the Bendigo Greyhound Racing Club on Wednesday, 27 August 2014 and that he did ask Mr. Pell to ‘come into the car park, and I break your legs like you did my dog'.
Under Rule 47.1 of the Greyhound Racing Victoria Local Rules a breach of GAR86 (g) constitutes a Serious Offence. As a result, on Thursday, 20 November 2014 this matter was heard before the Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board in the first instance under Greyhound Local Racing Rule 47.3 and Sections 83C(b) and 83M(1) of the Racing Act.
Mr. Sebastian Gibilisco represented himself.
Mr. Glenn Fish (GRV Chief Steward) represented the Stewards Panel.
Mr. Sebastian Gibilisco pleaded guilty to the charge.
After hearing all the evidence tendered the RADB determined that Mr. Gibilisco was guilty as charged fined him $1,000 (with $500 suspended for 12 months pending no further breaches of rule GAR86).
In assessing penalty, the Board took into account all the evidence and submissions, including the following matters:
(a) Mr. Gibiliscos' guilty plea;
(b) The need to maintain the integrity of greyhound racing;
(c) Prior penalties for similar offences; and
(d) Mr. Gibiliscos' character and his clean history of over 40 years in the greyhound
industry.
ARG Opinion:
While emotions can fly high at times within the sport of greyhound racing, there is no excuse for abusive language or actions. It is important for the integrity of the industry that it is not tolerated and punishing such behaviour is essential to preventing it.