The Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) Stewards have today concluded an inquiry relating to licensed trainer Alan Holman being convicted of a breach of the Crimes Act 1958.
On 13 May 2019 Mr Holman pleaded guilty to a charge under the Crimes Act 1958 before the Bendigo Magistrates Court. The charge was issued by Victoria Police under Section 21A(1) and related to his conduct towards another licensed participant.
Mr Holman was sentenced to an 18 month Community Corrections Order.
After considering all the relevant evidence, and the submissions tendered by Mr Holman, the HRV Stewards invoked the provisions of AHRR 267(1) which states:
Subject to sub-rule (2) the Stewards may for such period and on such conditions as they think fit, disqualify a person who is found guilty of a crime or an offence in any State or Territory of Australia or in any country.
After hearing further submissions, the HRV Stewards disqualified Mr Holman for three (3) years commencing immediately.
When assessing penalty, the HRV Stewards acknowledged the following factors:
- The serious nature of this matter with the offending well outside industry and community standards;
- The early guilty plea entered during the criminal proceedings and the remorse shown by Mr Holman;
- The significant personal circumstances affecting Mr Holman at the time of offending.
Mr Holman was advised of his rights of appeal.
