Liam Birchley's legal counsel indicated they will appeal his three convictions before sentencing.GETTY IMAGES
Just hours after eight former employees of the Aquanita training base were found guilty of more than 270 charges of pre-race treatment and corruption, the scandal took "another twist with one of the group appealing his conviction," according to Patrick Bartley of THE AGE. Queensland-based trainer Liam Birchley’s legal counsel indicated they will appeal his three convictions, "even before sentencing." Such an appeal will "open the opportunity for Racing Victoria’s legal team to subpoena the other seven guilty members of the group." Of the eight accused, only Birchley gave evidence during last week's hearing before the Racing Appeals & Disciplinary Board, however an appeal would be heard by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal. If any of the eight, including "ring-leaders" Robert Smerdon and Greg Nelligan, fail to attend a VCAT appeal, they "could face prison." Birchley's lawyer Travis Schultz said, "We strongly believe the stewards did not have sufficient evidence to support their case and Mr. Birchley continues to maintain the charges were unsubstantiated" (THE AGE, 5/8).
