Jessie Fothergill Found Guilty Of Misconduct
Offences:
(1) GAR 86 (d) Ms. Fothergill being a trainer did make a false or misleading statement during an Inquiry conducted on 27 May 2014, regarding the registration of an owner ‘Shack Peanut' with Greyhound Racing Victoria and;
(2) GAR86 (o) Ms. Fothergill in that being a trainer, you did cause to be registered another person (Shack Peanut) pursuant to these Rules, by the way of false or fraudulent document, statement or representation via the Greyhound Racing Victoria on-line registration process, which in the opinion of Stewards was dishonest, fraudulent or improper or constitutes misconduct.
Report:
Following an Inquiry into the circumstances relating to the registration of a registered person ‘Shack Peanut', the Stewards of Greyhound Racing Victoria conducted an investigation.
During the investigation, Stewards heard evidence from Ms. Jessie Fothergill (Trainer) and Ms. Kate Williams (Members Services Manager).
After considering the evidence, Stewards charged Ms. Jessie Fothergill with a breach of GAR86 (d) in that being a trainer, she did make a false or misleading statement during an Inquiry conducted on 27 May 2014, regarding the registration of an owner ‘Shack Peanut' with Greyhound Racing Victoria and GAR86 (o) in that being a trainer, she did cause to be registered another person (Shack Peanut) pursuant to these Rules, by the way of false or fraudulent document, statement or representation via the Greyhound Racing Victoria on-line registration process, which in the opinion of Stewards was dishonest, fraudulent or improper or constitutes misconduct.
Under Rule 47.1 of the Greyhound Racing Victoria Local Rules, breaches of GAR86 (d) and GAR86 (o) constitute Serious Offences. As a result, on Tuesday, 24 June 2014 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.
Ms. Jessie Fothergill was represented by Mr. Terry Howard.
Mr. Glenn Fish (GRV Chief Steward) represented the Stewards Panel. Ms. Jessie Fothergill pleaded guilty to both charges.
After hearing all the evidence tendered the RADB determined that Ms. Jessie Fothergill was guilty on both charges. She was fined $350 on charge (1). In relation to charge (2), Ms. Jessie Fothergill was suspended for three months, (wholly suspended for 18 months pending no breaches of GAR86 (d) or 86 (o) during this 18 month period), effective as from Tuesday, 24 June 2014.
In assessing penalty, the Board took into account all the evidence and submissions, including the following matters:
(a) Ms. Fothergill's guilty pleas;
(b) The nature of the offences;
(c) The need to maintain the integrity of greyhound racing;
(d) Prior penalties for similar offences;
(e) Ms. Fothergill's prior penalties, which the Board noted were substantial in number (but mostly minor track offences) for a young person but disconcertingly were increasing in their seriousness in more recent times.