William Bickerton Suspended For Six Months Over Sandown Trial Session Incident
The Stewards of Greyhound Racing Victoria conducted an investigation into an incident which allegedly took place at the Sandown Greyhound Racing Club (Trial Session) on Saturday, 11 February, 2012.
After considering the evidence, Stewards charged Mr. Bickerton with breach of Greyhounds Australasia Rule 86(o) in that at the Sandown Greyhound Racing Club on Saturday, 11th February 2012, he did engage in conduct, which in the opinion of the Stewards was improper and constituted misconduct.
Under Rule 47.1 of the Greyhound Racing Victoria Local Rules this constitutes a Serious Offence which was heard by the Racing Appeals & Disciplinary Board (RADB) in the first instance under Greyhound Racing Victoria Local Rule 47.3 and Sections 83C(b) and 83M(1) of the Racing Act.
Mr. Tony Vass represented Mr. Bickerton at the RADB hearing.
Mr. Glenn Fish (GRV Steward) and Mr. Ron Matthews (Steward) represented the Stewards Panel.
Mr. Vass tendered a written statement from Mr. Bickerton who did not attend the hearing. Mr. Vass also tendered two statutory declarations from witnesses on behalf of Mr. Bickerton.
After hearing all the evidence tendered, the RADB found Mr. W. Bickerton guilty as charged and suspended him for 6 months, with 4 months of this penalty suspended for 2 years provided no similar breaches occur, the penalty being effective from 22nd May, 2012.