Darren Weir criminal charges: Committal hearing for banned trainer to be heard remotely
The next chapter in the Darren Weir saga will proceed next month, but there is a twist.
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The Magistrates Court committal hearing involving disqualified trainer Darren Weir will be heard remotely after lawyers applied to have the matter proceed via Webex because of COVID-19 concerns.
Permission was granted to proceed with the committal on September 8, when Weir and three other men will face charges relating to conspiracy to defraud stewards, animal cruelty and betting-related corruption.
Weir, who is serving a four-year disqualification after being caught with three electronic shock devices known as jiggers on his property during a 2019 raid, faces several criminal charges based on video surveillance.
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Weir’s former assistant trainer Jarrod McLean, stablehand Tyson Kermond and retired jockey William Hernan face a combined total of 34 charges ranging from conspiracy to defraud stewards, animal torture and corrupt betting during the 2018 spring carnival.
Three horses – Melbourne Cup runner Red Cardinal, Yogi and Tosen Basil – were allegedly tortured by Weir, McLean and Kermond with electric shock devices and poly pipe at Warrnambool in 2018.
Victoria Police allege the horses were terrified as they exercised on treadmills while wearing blinkers.
The four men will contest the charges.
The committal hearing will be heard in an online format because of COVID-19 restrictions.
The hearing will be used by a magistrate to decide if there is sufficient evidence to commit Weir and the other men to trial, most likely next year.