Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) stewards have concluded deliberations into penalty following their inquiries into incidents occurring at the Gosford Greyhound Club's meeting on 14 October 2014.
Following receipt of a report from GRNSW Integrity Officer Norm Becroft reGarding the alleged conduct of trainer Tim Anagnostopoulos, a review of footage from the kennel block on that evening was undertaken. GRNSW Integrity Management also reviewed statements taken on the evening via video conferencing from kennel attendants Louise Warren, Fred Kelly, Josh Harrington and Donna Richards, and also from GRNSW Head Veterinarian Dr John Newell.
It was established that when asked to re-kennel his greyhound Walshaw after it competed in race 7, Mr Anagnostopoulos became agitated and argumentative, swearing towards Mr Becroft and threatening him verbally and physically. He left the course without collecting Walshaw, which was attended by staff until its owner arrived on the course to take charge of the greyhound. He had also been directed to attend an inquiry into the matters after Race 10 and refused to remain on course to attend that inquiry.
As a result of the report, statements and the review of the footage, Mr Anagnostopoulos’ trainer’s licence was immediately suspended on 14 October 2014.
Mr Anagnostopoulos was subsequently asked to answer four charges.
One charge related to a breach of Gar 86 (g), that of wilfully threatening a steward of the controlling body.
One charge related to a breach of Gar 86 (f) (i), that of use of offensive language towards a steward.
One charge related to a breach of Gar 86 (e), that of refusing to attend at an inquiry when directed by stewards to do so.
One charge related to a breach of Gar 86 (o), that of doing a thing which is improper.
The hearing into those charges was scheduled to be conducted at the offices of GRNSW on Wednesday 12 November 2014. Mr Anagnostopoulos refused to attend that hearing.
Mr Anagnostopoulos was found guilty in absentia of all four charges and was asked to provide submissions on any penalty that may be imposed. He has failed to provide any submission on penalty.
Having reGard to all of the circumstances of the case, GRNSW imposed the following penalties in relation to each charge.
(1) In respect of charge one under Gar 86 (g), that of wilfully threatening a steward of the controlling body, a period of disqualification of five years was imposed, commencing on 15 October 2014 and to expire at midnight on 14 October 2019.
(2) In respect of charge two under Gar 86 (f) (i), that of use of offensive language towards a steward, a period of disqualification of twelve months was imposed, commencing on 15 October 2014 and to expire at midnight on 14 October 2015.
(3) In respect of charge three under Gar 86 (e), that of refusing to attend at an inquiry when directed by stewards to do so, a period of disqualification of twelve months, commencing on 15 October 2014 and to expire at midnight on 14 October 2015.
(4) In respect of charge four under Gar 86 (o), that of doing a thing which is improper, a period of disqualification of two years was imposed. Having reGard to totality in sentencing this period will commence at midnight on 14 October 2019 and expire at midnight 13 October 2021.
Mr Anagnostopoulos was advised of his rights of appeal in relation to all four findings and penalties.
