meleeka
Well-Known Member
I'm not sure (whilst obviously not having the full facts), that it's right to suspend someone while being investigated, when a criminal investigation has already been carried out and no charges brought.
Lee Pearson suspended?
- Thread starter Shadowmere
- Start date
BBP
Well-Known Member
Exactly this. You can run civil and criminal investigations in parallel but a decision not to prosecute/issue a criminal sanction does not preclude a civil sanction. Burden of proof for civil offences is on balance of probability that the offence was committed by the subject, vs beyond all reasonable doubt for criminal. So they are very different. Think 51% vs 99% sure that they did it. The offences may also fall under different legislation.
DressageCob
Well-Known Member
BD/British Equestrian will have their own safeguarding requirements to meet as well. If they lifted suspension without their own investigation and then something happened then any alleged victim could look to bring a claim against them. And as others have said, it's balance of probabilities (51%) vs beyond reasonable doubt (100%), plus there's the possibility that any alleged victim in a criminal case chooses not to engage which affects the prospects of a successful prosecution. So many variables it's unsafe to speculate.
TPO
🤠🏴
I'm sure the US Equine Federation banned George Morris under "safesport," and he didn't face criminal charges. I think cases were brought against him but I don't think he's been charged. Happy to be corrected.
misst
Well-Known Member
I would think that "unprofessional behaviour" might be investigated under a civil umbrella, this does not make it criminal behaviour. All allegations nowadays have to be investigated and it is right that no one is exempt.