New whip rules in victoria

[retarded driver]

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The incident occurred at a Geelong harness meetingImage: Getty

Harness trainer-driver handed three-month suspension

By James Lamb 12 minutes ago

Harness trainer-driver Michael Bellman has been suspended for three months for inappropriate behaviour at a Geelong harness meeting on October 9 last year.

Between races nine and 10 on the card, Bellman approached a licensed female driver from behind, flicked his whip between her thighs, and said 'where's your face mask'.

Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) Stewards issued Bellman with a charge under AHRR 231(1)(f), which reads: a person shall not otherwise interfere improperly with anyone employed, engaged or participating in the harness racing industry or otherwise having a connection with it.

Bellman pleaded guilty to the charge at a Victorian Racing Tribunal (VRT) hearing on August 17.

"By your actions, you caused considerable distress to the female driver. It is relevant that you committed this act at her workplace and in circumstances where she had every right and expectation that she would be treated properly by you.

"Your actions were more than just stupid. They were completely wrong," the written decision of the VRT reads.

The VRT imposed a penalty of three months suspension but Bellman has applied to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal for a review of the decision.

The VRT released the following statement:

By your actions, you caused considerable distress to the female driver. It is relevant that you committed this act at her workplace and in circumstances where she had every right and expectation that she would be treated properly by you.

Your actions were more than just stupid. They were completely wrong. In our opinion, during the relevant period you made only
a qualified apology to the female driver for your behaviour.

Your personal circumstances. You started as a 16 year old in the harness racing industry in 1997. It would be fair to say that your whole family, including your grandfather, father, mother and other family members, has been involved in harness racing industry for a considerable period of time.

You are a very successful driver and have been for a long time. It is clear you love the industry and you have obtained awards. You have made strong contributions to public welfare and have raised money for many causes, including breast and prostate cancer.

You have excellent character references, which speak highly of you as a role model. They describe you as being loyal, approachable and one who gives assistance to people in their professional and private lives. You have also borne the pressures of a domestic dispute involving custody of your children.

We have taken into account your plea of guilty, your personal circumstances and your good history within the harness racing industry.

The principle of general deterrence is relevant in determining an appropriate penalty. Those working in the industry must be deterred from interfering with their fellow workmates whilst they are going about their normal duties.

Mr Hannan, on behalf of Mr Bellman, submitted that the victim being female has no relevance. We do not accept that submission. We are of the opinion that it does have relevance. Putting a whip between a female’s thighs from behind and using it in a flicking motion is totally unacceptable.

The purpose of the Rule is to protect those working in the harness racing industry. It is also important that women of all ages are encouraged to participate in the industry without having to deal with improper interference.

In all the circumstances, we impose a penalty of 3 months suspension.

[Forbury]

Lol that's a funny story