'The disqualification period should act as a deterrent to others,' RIB says
The Racing Integrity Board (RIB) has imposed an 18-month disqualification on a former employee of Greyhound Racing New Zealand (GRNZ) for allegedly sending unsolicited explicit images to two licensed greyhound handlers.
Jake Bell, who was the former national track manager, has been prohibited from holding or obtaining a GRNZ license for 18 months.
"A strong penalty of this nature is imperative in this case, not only to punish Mr Bell for the wrongdoing and harm he has caused, but to send a serious message to the Racing Industry that offending of this type will not be tolerated," the RIB said in its decision.
The charges against Bell stemmed from incidents that occurred in 2024, where two complainants alleged how Bell's behaviour escalated from initial, friendly communication to inappropriate sexual messages and the unsolicited sending of explicit images of his genitals.
The first charge accused Bell of sending explicit photos to Complainant 1, a licensed greyhound handler, in August 2024.
Complainant 1 alleged receiving dozens of images from Bell, along with sexually suggestive comments. She expressed feeling uncomfortable and distressed by the nature of the messages.
The second charge involved Complainant 2, who alleged that Bell sent her similar explicit content in March 2024.
Complainant 2's account mirrored that of Complainant 1, with Bell's communications becoming increasingly sexual and culminating in the unsolicited sharing of explicit photos.
The case came to light when Complainant 1 sought advice from a colleague and subsequently reported the incidents to the RIB.
In its decision, the RIB found Bell's actions to be a clear violation of the standards expected of licensed officials within the greyhound racing industry.
Despite Bell's denial of sending explicit images to Complainant 2, the committee found that both charges were substantiated based on the testimonies of the complainants, corroborated by witness statements and Bell’s own written submissions.
The committee emphasised that Bell's position as a National Track Manager, an official with significant influence in the industry, created a power imbalance that made his actions particularly egregious.
"The disqualification period should act as a deterrent to others in the wider Racing Industry, who may contemplate offending in this way in the future," the RIB said. "It should also give confidence to actual or potential victims that if they complain, their concerns will be listened to and treated seriously."
