Two Months Suspension For Offensive Behaviour Toward GRV Stewards
Following an incident at the Sale Greyhound Racing on Sunday, 1 September 2013, the Stewards of Greyhound Racing Victoria conducted an investigation.
During the investigation, Stewards heard evidence from Ms. Rosalie Van Vaught (Spectator), Mr. William Kenney (Registered Trainer), Ms. Christine Gent (GRV Cadet Steward) and Mr. William McMahon (Registered Trainer).
After considering the evidence, Stewards charged Mr. William McMahon with a breach of GAR86 (f) (i) which provides that a person engages in, publishes or causes to be published, broadcasts or causes to be broadcast, the use of any contemptuous, unseemly, improper, insulting, or offensive language, conduct or behaviour in any manner of form towards, or in relation to a Steward.
Under Rule 47.1 of the Greyhound Racing Victoria Local Rules, a breach of GAR86 (f) constitutes a Serious Offence. As a result, on Tuesday, 3 December 2013 this matter was heard before the Racing Appeals and Disciplinary Board in the first instance under Greyhound Racing Victoria Local Rule 47.3 and Sections 83C(b) and 83M of the Racing Act.
Mr. William McMahon represented himself.
Mr. Andrew Mills (GRV Deputy Chief Steward) represented the Stewards Panel.
Mr. William McMahon pleaded guilty to the charge.
After hearing all the evidence tendered including further oral evidence given by Steward Ms. Christine Gent, the RADB determined that Mr. William McMahon was guilty as charged.
Mr. McMahon also lodged an appeal against the severity of the penalty of 2 months suspension handed down by the Stewards on Tuesday, 12 November 2013 in that he did engage in conduct which was detrimental to the image and promotion of greyhound racing in the vicinity of the parade yard at Sale Greyhound Racing Club on 1 September 2013 in breach of GAR 86(q).
As the offences under GAR 86(f) and 86(q) both related to from Mr McMahon's conduct arising from similar circumstances at the same meeting, and after considering submissions from Mr Mills and Mr McMahon, the RADB invited further submissions from the parties in respect of penalties for both offences. The RADB determined that 2 months suspension was the appropriate penalty for Mr McMahon for both matters, to be served concurrently, and effective from Monday 9 December 2013.
I saw a trainer going on in a similar manner at Dapto last night!
I saw a trainer going on in a similar manner at Dapto last night!