Guilty Of Harassment
Newcastle Herald
Wednesday June 25, 2008
VETERAN Newcastle horse trainer Ron Bates has been found guilty of an improper practices charge of sexually harassing a female strapper.
Bates was suspended for four months at the conclusion of a marathon stewards' inquiry on Monday.He had pleaded not guilty to the charge and denied the allegations at the inquiry.The inquiry, held at the boardroom of the Newcastle Jockey Club, started at 10am and did not finish until after 6pm.Racing NSW chief steward Ray Murrihy travelled from Sydney to attend.Bates appeared before stewards after a 21-year-old woman approached Newcastle-based steward Steve Carvosso to lodge a formal complaint.A charge sheet obtained by The Herald shows Bates allegedly engaged in improper conduct between March 26 and April 30 at Broadmeadow.The charge sheet alleges that Bates, 70, had on six occasions undertaken "uninvited embracing" of the woman and had made "physical contact including uninvited touching of her breasts".It was also alleged Bates made verbal comments of a sexual nature in relation to and within earshot of the woman.These included "when you come over this weekend you should wear your swimmers and put on a little show for me".It was also alleged Bates said: "She's a crowd pleaser and a Friday night teaser", "Can she ride? I bet she can" and "If I was 10 years younger I would have you in my bed".He also said "what, don't you love me any more?", "hey there beautiful" and "is she a goer?".Bates, who has eight horses in work, had appeal papers and stay of proceedings procedure sent to him yesterday but was unable to be contacted by The Herald.He is expected to appeal, which means he would be allowed to continue training at Broadmeadow.
© 2008 Newcastle Herald
