On 8 March 2022, the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) handed down its decision following a hearing that considered an application lodged by licensed driver Michael Bellman, against a decision of the Victorian Racing Tribunal (VRT) to impose a three-month suspension of Mr Bellman’s licences.
Background
At the VRT hearing on 17 August 2021, Mr Bellman pleaded guilty to a charge issued under Australian Harness Racing Rule (AHRR) 231(1)(f) which related to his conduct at the Geelong harness racing meeting on 9 October 2020 when he approached another driver from behind, flicked his whip between her thighs and said “where’s your face mask”. The details of the VRT hearing can be found here.
VCAT Penalty
On 2 March 2022, VCAT Senior Member Smithers considered an application lodged by Mr Bellman against the penalty imposed by the VRT. In the decision handed down on 8 March 2022, the three-month suspension imposed by the VRT was affirmed.
The full VCAT decision can be viewed here.