Greyhound trainer Chad Achurch refused bail over live-baiting claims

GREYHOUND trainer Chad Achurch has been refused bail at court today in relation to live baiting allegations.

• BAIRD ADMITS HE GOT IT WRONG ON GREYHOUND BAN

GREYHOUND trainer Chad Achurch has been refused bail at Liverpool Local Court in relation to live baiting allegations.

The Cabramatta man’s defence lawyer Mark Rumore told the court he should be granted bail as police “inappropriately” took videos and photos from a phone he submitted in relation to another case.

Achurch allegedly gave police the phone during an investigation into an unrelated domestic violence incident.

Denies live-baiting allegations ... Chad Achurch.

Police took the phone into another room, viewed his messages and then downloaded the entire contents of the phone, the court heard.

The live baiting is alleged to have occurred in September.

Achurch has not had his training license revoked.

He did not appear and his bail application was denied.

Mr Rumore said his client would fight the allegations of live baiting, saying any video footage would show him using a fake rabbit.

“It was not a real rabbit,” he said.

“It squeals like one and has emits a similar smell and noises to trick the greyhound into chasing and attacking it ferociously.

“You can buy it in stores.”

Chad Achurch with Kingston's Boy.

Police prosecutors opposed bail and told the court: “It is a serious crime and one that would lead to a custodial sentencing which we believe make him a flight risk.

“These crimes were committed while there was significant media publicity which he ignored which leads us to believe this is still happening.”