News & Media

29 May 2012 Thoroughbred Media Release

RWWA Stewards today concluded an inquiry into an incident involving race caller Mr David Sheehan, which occurred in the vicinity of the bookmakers ring prior to Race 1 at the Norseman race meeting on Saturday, 10 March 2012 where he was involved in an altercation with a patron.

Evidence was taken from RWWA Investigator Mr Geoff Johnson, Mr David Sheehan, patron Mr Geoffrey Lockyer and witness Mr Thomas Atkins via telephone link up.

Mr D Sheehan pleaded guilty to a charge under Australian Rule of Racing AR175(q) for improper conduct, with the particulars of the charge being that when at Norseman races on 10 March 2012 in the capacity of race caller employed by the Club, prior to Race 1 in the vicinity of the bookmakers ring, he did strike by way of a closed-fist punch, to patron Mr G Lockyer to the face, which in the Stewards opinion constitutes improper conduct.

In determining penalty Stewards took into account;

• Mr Sheehan's full co-operation and forthright manner in addressing the matter
• His plea of guilt, genuine remorse and apology for the matter arising
• His unblemished record over 30-years of involvement in the industry
• The penalty issued by the Magistrates Court on 7 May 2012, following Mr Sheehan pleading guilty to one count of aggravated assault whereby a fine of $1,500 (+ costs of $125.70) was issued in relation to this matter
• Circumstances of the offence and that evidence could only establish a single punch which was consistent with the Court finding
• Degree of injury to Mr Lockyer and seriousness of the offence

Stewards determined the appropriate penalty in the circumstances to be a fine of $2,500, however acting under Australian Rule of Racing AR196(4), $1,500 of this amount was suspended for a period of 12-months on the condition that Mr Sheehan not offend against a conduct related rule within that period.

Media Contact:
Denis Borovica – General Manager Racing Integrity
Ph: 9445 5427
denis.borovica@rwwa.com.au