On Friday 3 October 2014, two incidents were reported to HRSA stewards involving trainer Andrew Mitton and Globe Derby track curator Robert Hill.
An inquiry was set down for 10 October 2014 with all parties being advised they were required to attend. On Saturday 4 October 2014, Andrew Mitton voluntarily surrendered his licence and advised he would not attend the stewards inquiry into the matter.
At the inquiry, evidence was taken from Globe Derby track staff Robert Hill and Greg Norman. Andrew Mitton failed to attend the inquiry.
Stewards issued the following charge against trainer Andrew Mitton:
Rule 231. (1) A person shall not threaten, harass, intimidate, abuse, assault or otherwise interfere improperly with anyone employed, engaged or participating in the harness racing industry or otherwise having a connection with it.
The particulars being that Andrew Mitton verbally abused Robert Hill on the morning of 3 October 2014 whilst Robert Hill was undertaking his duties as track curator at Globe Derby. Further, in the afternoon of 3 October 2014 Andrew Mitton approached Robert Hill whilst he was driving a tractor undertaking his duties, verbally abused him, physically assaulted him by grabbing him and attempting to pull him from the tractor and made threats to further assault him. Robert Hill sustained injuries to his chest.
Andrew Mitton was disqualified for a period of 2 years effective immediately.
