Edwards Escapes Lengthy Ban
- Monday, 16 May 2011 09:54
Leading West Australian trainer Shane Edwards has had a twelve month disqualification overturned and will instead serve a two-year suspended sentence after WA’s Racing Penalties Appeal Tribunal handed down their verdict on Monday.
In a stunning twist of events, Edwards was banned in January by RWWA Chief steward John Zucal for 12 months for possession of a electrical device and assault on former stable employee John Anderson late last year.
His attack on Anderson occurred after learning the stablehand had kicked Group 1 placegetter Phenomenons and hit stablemate Ms Dubawi on numerous occasions.
Both Edwards and Anderson were fined $1,000 for their unruly behaviour.
But as a result, Edwards was also prosecuted by West Australian police.
He pleaded guilty to possession of a prohibited weapon and common assault only to be handed a suspended sentence and fined $900 by the Midland Court last December.
Edwards appealed RWWA’s one year disqualification and at Monday’s hearing at the appeals tribunal, that was quashed.
Should Edwards reoffend within the next two years, a 12 month disqualification will be automatically imposed.
