GWIC Suspend Trainer Amid Police Charges

WESTERN Sydney greyhound trainer Justin King has been stood down by the Greyhound Welfare & Integrity Commission (GWIC) after being slapped with a string of charges by NSW Police.

King, 50, from Londonderry, was hit with a total of 19 charges relating to alleged sexual offences with a minor who can't be named for legal reasons.

It is understood the victim is involved within the greyhound industry.

Included among the alleged offences are multiple instances of having sexual intercourse with a child (greater than 14, younger than 16) and the intentional sexual touching of a child (greater than 10, younger than 16).

King faced Penrith Court last Thursday where the matter was adjourned until March 5.

Bail was granted on the condition that he report to Windsor Police Station three times a week, surrender his passport, not be in the company of children and not attend greyhound meetings. 

An AVO order has been in place since mid-December at which time GWIC moved to suspend the licence of King with immediate effect.

In response to the issuing of charges, GWIC CEO Steve Griffin said his organisation had taken immediate steps to suspend King from the industry while the matter is before the courts.

"The Greyhound Welfare & Commission is aware that Mr Justin King has been charged with criminal offences and that the matter is currently before the courts," Griffin said.

"The Commission is not in a position to make any comment in respect to the criminal offences. 

"The Commission has taken the immediate steps to suspend Mr King's registrations whilst the criminal matters remain on foot." 

In 2023, King trained 85 winners, the majority of those at his home track at Richmond.

During the 2021 racing season he enjoyed his best year with the collar and lead following the group winning deeds of top flight chaser Incapacitated, winner of the Group 2 Richmond Derby and Group 3 Christmas Gift.