Dan Biddle Disqualified For Nine Months And Fined $1000
RWWA Stewards yesterday issued their decision with respect to penalty in relation to Greyhound Trainer Mr Dan Biddle arising from the inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the presence of 61 greyhounds at a Nambeelup Park kennel property, the persons associated with these greyhounds and the actions and associations of registered persons with disqualified person Mr Graham Berry.
The inquiry had 2 previous sittings on 26 June and 10 July where evidence was taken from RWWA Principal Investigator Mr Phil O'Reilly, Deputy Chief Steward Mr Paul Searle, Ms Rebecca Watson, Mr Kody Charles, Mr Larry Valenti, Mr Tim Mullany, Mr Glen Price and Mr Dan Biddle. Ms Linda Hulsinga and Mr Graham Berry were also called to the inquiry.
After considering the evidence various charges have been issued against Mr Tim Mullany, Mr Dan Biddle, Mr Kody Charles, Ms Linda Hulsinga, Mr Glen Price, Ms Rebecca Watson and Mr Graham Berry. The inquiry is currently progressing to hear each respective case in due course.
At a hearing on 24 July 2014, Mr Biddle pleaded guilty to three charges. Two charges were under GAR 86 (ah) in that Mr Biddle associated with disqualified person Mr Graham Berry for the purposes of greyhound racing. The third charge was under GAR 86 (d) in that he made a false and misleading statement on a Notification for Whelping for the BLACK WOLF/SHAMBI GEM litter lodged with RWWA on 24 March 2014.
In relation to the two charges under GAR 86 (ah), Mr Biddle was disqualified for nine (9) months for each offence. In relation to the third charge under GAR 86 (d), a fine of $1000 was imposed.
In considering an appropriate penalty, Stewards took into account, amongst other things;
– Mr Biddle's previous record
– The seriousness of all offences
– Mr Biddle current status and personal circumstances
– The circumstances surrounding the commission of the offences
– The need for both general and specific deterrence
– The periods of disqualification are to be served concurrently and took effect as of the issue of the decision yesterday.
In view of the circumstances of this case and that charge three was in relation to a number of puppies having been relocated to the care and control of a disqualified person prior to ear branding and micro chipping taking place, the Stewards acting under Rule 138 (5) have directed that all puppies from the BLACK WOLF x SHAMBI GEM litter whelped on 10 March 2014 will be subject to DNA fingerprint analysis for the purpose of ascertaining the correct parentage of each greyhound which must be completed within 3 months from yesterday's decision.