Weir, McLean back in court for hearing on alleged charges
DARREN Weir and three other men will return to court today over alleged animal cruelty, betting and conspiracy charges.
Weir, Jarrod McLean, Tyson Kermond and William Hernan are due to face Ballarat Magistrates’ Court on a total of more than 30 charges.
The matter is expected to be adjourned until next year, possibly February, because of delays and logistic challenges caused by COVID-19.
Weir is charged with 10 offences, including conspiring with McLean and Kermond to defraud Racing Victoria stewards between October 24 and November 17, 2018; and six counts of animal cruelty relating to horses Yogi, Red Cardinal and Tosen Basil on October 30, 2018, at Warrnambool.
It is alleged the horses were tortured, abused, overworked and terrified when jiggers, or conducted energy devices, were used to shock them while they ran on a treadmill wearing blinkers, causing unreasonable pain or suffering.
Weir is also facing two counts of being a prohibited person to possess a firearm.
McLean is facing 16 counts, including conspiracy to defraud stewards, animal cruelty, two of conduct that corrupted a betting outcome, six of using corrupt conduct information as well as one of possessing cocaine.
McLean allegedly placed a $100 each-way bet on Red Cardinal on Cup Day in 2018, which could have reaped $5200. Kermond is charged with seven offences, including a conspiracy to defraud stewards, and six of animal cruelty.
Hernan has been charged with betting-related offences.
Weir is serving a four-year disqualification for possession of three electronic apparatuses.