TRAINER ADIN 'Dreddie' Williams has been fined $10,000 by the Jamaica Racing Commission (JRC) for disorderly conduct at Caymanas Park on March 16, 2002.
Williams was abroad when the case came up for mention at the JRC on June 4, 2002 and it took over two years to be disposed of.
The facts are as follows:
The JRC on August 19, 2004 concluded an investigation under Section 25 of the Jamaica Racing Commission Act into a report by Mrs. Violet McKenzie, Security Officer at Caymanas Park regarding the conduct of Williams in the Jockeys' Room on March 16, 2002.
At a meeting held on June 4, 2002 to conduct the investigation, Attorney-at-Law, Earl Witter representing trainer Williams,
apologised for the absence of his client whom he explained had to go overseas due to urgent personal circumstances and would be away for four months.
ADJOURNMENT REQUESTED
In the circumstances, Witter requested an adjournment of the matter. Several unsuccessful attempts were subsequently made to have the matter heard. Trainer Williams not having appeared before the Commission was then warned off.
The report stated that while on duty in the Jockeys' Room on that day, Mrs. McKenzie observed Williams in the room. She observed that he had a weapon under his arm and she heard him uttering threatening words, but could not ascertain to whom the threat was being issued.
During the investigation, the Commissioners heard evidence from Mrs. McKenzie, trainer Williams and jockey Andrew Thomas.
After considering the evidence, the Commission warned him about the repetition of such behaviour and taking his previous good record into account, imposed a fine of $10,000 on him, payable in 30 days.
In light of his appearance, the Commission also lifted the warning off ban, which had been imposed on him. Trainer Williams was represented by Barrington Frankson, Attorney-at-Law.
- O.C.
