(Updated 3/8/01)

KC Rule A42 complaint dismissed

Mrs I Nicol v Mr J Perrie

THE DISCIPLINARY Sub-Committee (Scotland) met on Friday July 27 at CA House, Edinburgh to consider the complaint brought by Mrs Isobel Nicol of 2 Hillside Grove, Barrhead, Glasgow against Mr James Perrie, 2 Bennetwood Terrace, Winchburgh, West Lothian that he behaved discreditably or prejudicially to the interests of the canine world in that ‘on the 17th December 2000 at approximately 11.30am at Wishaw Sports Centre during an open show held by Cambuslang Canine Club during which Mrs Nicol was awarded Best of Breed, as she left the ring Mr Perrie stood in front of her in a very aggressive and intimidating manner and for no apparent reason verbally abused her with foul language. He was so close to her face she thought he was going to hit her.’

The complaint brought by Mrs Nicol was dealt with under KC Rule A42 and the Disciplinary Sub-Committee comprised Mrs Ann MacDonald, Mrs Irene McManus, Mr J Aitken Johnston, Mr David Patterson and Rev Jim Peat and was Chaired by Dr Val Marrian who asked the panel to introduce themselves and declare any interest. Mrs McManus indicated that she had been at the said show and on being asked by Mrs Nicol for advice had directed her to the Secretary of the Club. Mr J Aitken Johnston explained that he was the President of the Scottish Rottweiler Club and attended committee meetings regularly and that Mrs Nicol was also a member of this Committee however he declared that at no time had she ever discussed or mentioned the matter with him.

Dr Marrian opened the hearing by asking Mrs Nicol to describe the incident upon which Mrs Nicol explained “I came out of the ring and I was standing at the side of the ring having been awarded Best of Breed when he approached and said “that’s a f****** joke.” He lifted his prize card and kissed it and said “that’s a f****** joke, a f****** joke. You’re a f****** arsehole.” I stood shocked and he came back shortly and said “I never called you a f****** arsehole. I might think it but I would never say it in public.”

Dr Marrian then invited the panel to ask questions and Mrs McManus asked Mrs Nicol if this was a busy show. Was it said in private? to which Mrs Nicol replied that it was busy, not really private as it was at the exit to the ring. Asked if it was loud she replied “not shouting but loud and the public were aware of it.”

Lucky

Rev Jim Peat asked for details of events on the day and Mrs Nicol explained that she had been lucky enough to win the first class of the day - the working puppy class from a big entry. She also won the first of the two Rottweiler classes with the puppy. Jim Perrie won the Open class and challenged for Best of Breed with her. Mrs Nicol won Best of Breed with the puppy. She then thanked the judge and left the ring when Mr Perrie then approached and verbally abused her.

David Patterson asked where this happened and she replied “in a busy corner where there was also access to the back hall which was in use for the show as well and bordering on the ring itself. And at what time. Mrs Nicol estimated the time at 10.30ish judging having started with the Working puppy class which is always busy.
Ann MacDonald asked if Mr Perrie was waiting for her to which she replied “when I came out of the ring he approached me” Mrs Macdonald continued “was it his language that you found disturbing or his body language” to which Mrs Nicol replied that his language was usual for him at the ringside but his body language was what traumatised her since it was so vicious and unexpected an attack. Asked if she had any doubt in her mind as to the language used Mrs Nicol replied that she had none whatsoever.

Aitken Johnston enquired that since it had been explained that this was a busy show how far would this conversation reach and Mrs Nicol explained that people round about could hear since although he was not shouting his voice was raised.

Dr Marrian asked her “you saw him leave the hall, how long till he returned?” He seemed to be back almost at once and waving a first prize card at me.

Mrs McManus asked to go back to what Aitken Johnston and asked about how far did she think the ringside would hear. Mrs Nicol again replied that several people around the ringside were aware of the incident.

Mr Perrie was then asked if he would like to question Mrs Nicol and he said yes and went on “One or two of you know me. You do not face two male rotts together ever as Isobel said. Dr Marrian stopped him and asked him to confine himself to asking questions of Mrs Nicol. Mr Perrie continued and said “I was taking my dog to the van and said, that was nothing but a farce. Mr Sim interrupted and explained to Mr Perrie that he would be given a chance to make his statement in full but to confine himself to questioning Mrs Nicol at present. Mr Perrie then declined to ask any questions of Mrs Nicol and the first witness was called in.

Busy

Mr David Roberts from Galashiels explained that he and his wife showed Parson Russell Terriers and Whippets and on the day in question he had attended the show and was showing both breeds in hall 2. Between the Terrier and Hound groups he went to the canteen and on the way through stopped to watch the Best of Breed being chosen in Rotts. As an exhibitor came out of the ring Mr Perrie approached waving a place card and saying that was a disgrace what happened in there. You are nothing but a f****** arsehole. Mrs Nicol asked me to be a witness.

Aitken Johnston asked how busy was it. Mr Roberts replied very busy. It was a busy area being near the door to the back hall there were lots of people standing around. Ann Macdonald asked how near it was to the judges’ table. Mr Roberts explained that this took place outside the ring. She also asked if he saw Mr Perrie approach both times. David Patterson also asked if Mr Perrie had approached Mrs Nicol and Mr Roberts replied “Yes - he was quite forceful in making his way through.” Mrs McManus asked how aggressive he was. Mr Roberts replied that his body language was aggressive. He was fair worked up about it. Rev Peat continued by saying that Rottweilers are big dogs and asked how they behaved, Mr Roberts replied that he did not notice them doing anything at all. Dr Marrian pointed out that Mr Roberts had only mentioned the first part of the incident in his statement and he replied that he was not clear about when the man came back. Aitken Johnston asked if there was a fair crowd about to which Mr Roberts replied yes there were people there - they were all coming out and the next classes going in. Dr Marrian asked Mr Perrie if he wanted to ask any questions and he asked Mr Roberts “Do you know me?” No said Mr Roberts. Mr Perrie remarked that he had shown for 7 years and had never seen this man at the ringside before.
Mr Nicol who was acting on behalf of his wife then asked Mr Roberts if this man had been in the vicinity of the ringside. Mr Roberts confirmed that he had been. Mr Nicol then asked with emphasis “did he have a card in his hand - this is important” Mr Roberts again confirmed that Mr Perrie had a card in his hand and was waving it in Mrs Nicol’s face. Finally Mr Nicol asked if Mr Roberts would classify this as a vicious attack. Mr Roberts said that it was very aggressive.

Next witness was Miss Lorna Percival who gave her report of the incident that Isobel came out of the ring and Mr Perrie came up and said that was a joke, nothing but a joke, went up to Isobel and said you are nothing but a f****** arsehole. He kissed his card and said you are nothing but a f****** arsehole. He went out and came back and said I might think you are a f****** arsehole but I would not say it in public.

Clarification

Asked if anything else had happened she said Mrs McCrory and I went to the van. I was frightened to go on my own and I have been frightened ever since that he would say something to me. Rev Peat asked that if male dogs were there were they not upset since their owners were upset. No she replied. Mrs McManus asked where Mrs Nicol was when it happened. She was at the exit to the ring. How many steps did he take to her - two. He did not have to come through a crowd - no. David Patterson asked how busy and was asked how noisy it was. It was quietened down, when people heard - they went quiet. Mrs Macdonald asked for clarification of the loudness of voice. Just raised, just to be heard in the noise of the hall. Mrs Macdonald asked if he said “that was a bloody joke” are you sure that was what he said? Miss Percival replied that he said that was a f****** joke. Aitken Johnston asked how loud Mr Perrie’s voice was when he made the statement and waved his card. It was aggressive and loud as well. Dr Marrian brought the subject back to swear words and asked if he had said you are nothing but a bloody joke. Miss Percival repeated that he had said “you are nothing but a f****** arsehole” and he came back and said I might think you are a f****** arsehole but I would not say it in public. Mr Nicol asked Lorna Percival if she knew the age of the dog winning Best of Breed and she replied that is was just a pup. Mr Nicol said exactly, not a full grown male then. No. He then asked her Did Mr Perrie have a card in his hand - Yes. Are you sure about this now. Yes I am sure. Mr Perrie was asked if he wanted to put her through any more.

Mrs Nicol’s next witness was Mr McStravock from Hamilton. He described the incident and explained that he was set up behind the ring with his dogs and was watching the Best of Breed challenge in rottweilers since he shows boxers and the boxers were next to be judged and he wanted to be ready to got in. He watched Best of breed, saw Mrs Nicol leaving the ring then Mr Perrie approached her and said it was nothing but a f****** disgrace and kissed his card. He went on to say, you are a f****** arsehole. Mr McStravock went and spoke to Bob Cross who sent a steward over. David Patterson asked who he had approached - He replied “Bob Cross - I know him from the Boxer Club Committee - I thought the incident was serious enough to come to violence. Asked how long he stayed on at he show he replied that he had left soon after showing his own dog. David Patterson asked if this was a topic of discussion at the show to which Mr McStravock replied “I don’t know. I never spoke to anyone about it.” Ann Macdonald asked if he had volunteered this statement or had Mrs Nicol asked. I volunteered it he replied. Rev Peat asked how loud was Mr Perrie - his voice was raised. Could people hear - yes people round about went silent. Mrs McManus asked how long the incident took - a couple of minutes. How far away could people hear. I don’t know. Mrs McManus asked again could six people away hear it or twenty people away hear it - six people he replied. She asked what he had said to Bob Cross and he told her he had said - Send somebody down there - it could come to blows. Dr Marrian asked what Mr Perrie said when he was kissing his first prize card - you are a f****** arsehole. When he reported the incident to Bob Cross did anyone come to speak to Mr Perrie - No. When Mr Perrie returned to the hall what did he say? “I might think you are a f****** arsehole but I would not say it in public. Dr Marrian queried that he had not said (f******) arsehole in his statement so was he now changing this statement? Yes. David Patterson asked how Mrs Nicol had appeared after this incident - shaken - and he then asked if anyone had spoken up for her. He said that people were shocked by this attack. Asked if he was there all the time he replied until I took my own dog into the ring. I wish I had not been there. Mr Patterson asked if the dogs were taken to the car but he did not know since he did not know Mrs Nicol personally. Mr Perrie asked if the witness Boxers were going into the ring as Rotts were coming out - Yes and how far was the exit - not far. Not so, pointed out Mr Perrie, if Boxers and Rotts were being shown then there were not too many people about. Mr McStravock repeated that there were lots of people about. Mr Nicol asked him to clarify his position in relation to the ring and he explained he was right behind the ringside near the entrance/exit. He also asked him to confirm that he had gone and alerted Mr Bob Cross which he confirmed.

Completeing Mrs Nicol’s witness statements was a signed affidavit sworn at Paisley on 5th July by Mrs Lyn McCrory who was unable to attend the hearing since she was on holiday.

Mrs Nicol was asked if that completed her evidence and she affirmed it did so and she hoped it would make clear the events of the day and that the panel would consider only the events of the day.

Mr Perrie was asked to comment and said, It’s lies, all lies, total lies. All the people in dog showing know I have never spoken to Mrs Nicol in two years. I would also like to mention that the dog she shows is from our bitch. Dr Marrian reminded him that was not relevant in this case. Aitken Johnston asked him if he had a cage and how far away was it.

Cages

Mr Perrie confirmed he did have a cage and it was about two and half metres away. On the right were the cages and I went and got the dog onto its walking lead. Ann Macdonald asked if he left the ring and took the prize card out after winning the Open Class and he replied that he had not left the ring but did give the card and rosette to someone outside. He was asked if he left the ring first after Best of Breed was awarded and he replied “Yes.” Mrs Nicol was waiting for her critique. I went straight to my cage for the walking lead. Ann Macdonald asked if he had approached Mrs Nicol. He denied this. David Patterson asked if there was a public address system at the show - yes. How well used was this and Mr Perrie explained that it was used seldom except perhaps for announcing raffles. How many people were about. Mr Perrie estimated about twenty and asked by Mr Patterson if he had said anything Mr Perrie said he had said nothing. He went up to Mrs Nicol and said his exact words were - Excuse me, I did not call you an arse. I may think you are an arse but I would not say that in public. It was pointed out that the affidavit said that Mr Perrie was half drunk. Mr Patterson asked what time was the incident. Mr Perrie said that someone earlier in the hearing had mentioned a time of 10.30am and he was not drunk.

Rev Peat asked him if he categorically denied that something took place. Mr Perrie confirmed that he categorically denied that something took place. Rev Peat went on to ask that in the running for a big award was he disappointed not to get Best of Breed. Not really replied Mr Perrie, it is from our bitch. But did you say something continued Rev Peat. Mr Perrie said no but he had heard Mrs Nicol asking people if they had heard him call her an arse. Rev Peat again asked him if he categorically denied saying anything pointing out that in his statement he had said that as he left the ring he had said that was a farce. So you did say something. Mr Perrie replied “Well yes I said on leaving the ring that was a farce. Rev Peat pointed out that this contradicted what the statement said.

After some clarification Dr Marrian ascertained that Mr Perrie did say - that was a farce. She asked him who notified him that Mrs Nicol had made this statement. He said that he had heard her himself in the background. Dr Marrian pointed out that this was not in his statement. David Patterson asked him if he had heard Mrs Nicol say he waved his card and rosette and asked him if he had done this and Mr Perrie replied “Certainly not. I handed my card and rosette to Mr John Irvine.” Dr Marrian asked if he had taken it back on leaving. No since Mr Irvine was halfway up the ring. Mr Nicol was asked if he would like to question Mr Perrie and Mr Nicol thanked Rev Peat for pointing out that Mr Perrie was the only one saying the incident did not happen. He then asked Mr Perrie if he was admitting being outside the ring - Of course I was. Mr Nicol went on by saying that Mr Perrie had said something strange namely that under some judges you cannot win so does that mean you were aggravated. No but everyone here knows there are some judges you will never win under. Mr Nicol also said that Mr Perrie had said that when he left the ring Mrs Perrie was beside him. Mr Perrie then said that she was outside the ring, she was by the cage only about eight feet away so yes she was beside him. He took the dog to put on his walking lead. Mr Nicol asked Mr Perrie if he was saying that his wife was beside him and that he had no cards or rosette in his hands. That is true.

Opinion

So the independent witnesses are all wrong. Mr Perrie again replied yes there was no incident as far as I am concerned. Nobody, nobody has ever heard me swear at a dog show. The first witness for Mr Perrie was his wife Mrs Janet Perrie who explained that she had attended the show with her husband and exhibited 2 Rotts, the first she handled in the first clas and her husband handled the other in the open Class. Best of Breed was awarded to Mrs Nicol and her husband left the ring and on leaving he said what a farce which I believed a comment on the judging which is only a personal opinion. He left the hall to take the dogs to the toilet since they had been in the hall from early on and Mrs Nicol stayed in the ring to speak to the judge. Then we heard Mrs Nicol asking “did anyone hear that man call me an arse”. We went to the restaurant for coffee with a few friends. My husband was with me the whole time. Mrs McManus asked if he had approached Mrs Nicol at any time after this and she replied Yes - to say he had not called her an arse. He might have thought it but would not say it in public. We did not hear her say but several people told us she was saying this. Mrs McManus asked who the ‘farce’ comment was directed at. No one, it was a general comment not directed at anyone. So he did say it asked Mrs McManus. Yes but only as a general comment. So that was the end of the incident. Yes. It was Christmas time so we had other more important things to do. We left before the group judging was done. Aitken Johnston queried that Mr Perrie had never sworn at a dog show. Yes she replied and he would never swear at a woman. Believe me I know. I have been married to him for 29 years and I have given him plenty of chances to swear at me but he just would not do that to a woman. Ann Macdonald asked where the prize card was - Mr Irvine had it - and where were you - outside the ring. Where was your husband by this time. Out with the dogs. Where was Mrs Nicol - at the opposite side of the entrance to the ring. When your husband came back did he have the dogs with him - no. David Patterson asked When your husband came out was he disturbed about not winning - no not at all. What did he do - He came out and changed the dog lead and took the dogs out. Were there many people about - a fair amount. Were people having to push past with their dogs - yes. Was it a busy show - early on yes. Did you have to raise your voice to speak - not really. Could you hear what was being said at the stewards’ table. He was busy with entries at the time. What was your husband’s reactions to Mrs Nicol’s accusations. He was annoyed yes and upset. Mr Patterson pointed out that Mrs Perrie had said in her statement that her husband had left the ring and went to the cages to change leads and take the dogs out so was outside when Mrs Nicol was speaking so who told him. Mrs Perrie replied that she did not hear anyone speak to him. When Mrs Nicol came out of the ring Jim was going out of the hall. So you can’t tell us who informed him. Yes I can - Mrs Flowers, Mrs Bone and Mr Irvine. Mrs McManus asked her if after coffee had she seen Mrs Nicol at any time but she had not. Aitken Johnston asked if she was aware of boxers going into the ring. She said she was aware of boxers there. She was also asked that when Mr Perrie came back in what was his manner. She replied Bemused, totally bemused. And asked again was this totally out of character, she replied yes totally, he would not do something like this. Mr Nicol asked her if she was aware of her husband being under the influence. No, we had been to a staff function the night before due to the time of the year but we had left home at 8 in the morning.

Conversation

Mr Nicol went on to ask that was she saying that when Mr Perrie left the ring Mrs Nicol was in the ring having a conversation with the judge. Mr Perrie went and changed leads and took the dogs out in this time. Was this not a very long conversation then remembering that boxers were waiting to come into the ring. Mrs Perrie replied Yes it was a long conversation. Mr Nichol asked her if she would agree that her husband said the judging was a farce. No he said “it’s a farce” On a point of fact Dr Marrian mentioned that in her statement she had said “the judging was a farce”. Mrs Perrie said she thought the remark referred to the judging but her husband just meant - It’s a farce.
Next witness for Mr Perrie was Mr John Irvine from Winchburgh who stated - I was at the show with my Bernese and I was watching Mr Perrie with the Rottie. He won and came out the ring with the card and rosette and said hang on to that for me. When judging was finished he came out and said that was a farce. Mrs McManus asked him where he was standing. I was at the left hand side of the ring. She asked him to describe Mr Perrie’s statement and was it quiet, aggressive or what. He replied nothing particular he just spoke to me and said that was a farce. In the manner he spoke would anyone else have heard it. Not really. In the manner it was said would it have caused offence or upset to anyone. No. It is often said at the rings. I have only been showing for eighteen months and I have heard it said often. Rev Peat asked if he saw Mr Perrie come back in and speak to her. No we were having a smoke. You did not see him approach her. No when he came back in he came to me. David Patterson continued and said you have only been showing eighteen months so have you seen upset behaviour. Yes. Have you heard bad language. Yes but only between conversations. Where was Mrs Perrie standing. I don’t know - I was standing by myself. Where was Mrs Nicol. Don’t know. Were you with Mr Perrie the whole time outside. Yes we were having a smoke. Did you go back into the hall together. No I went for my dog and when he came back in I thought he came straight to me. Aitken Johnston asked if the hall was busy. Well yes it was quite busy. Dr Marrian said she was confused and was he telling us today when Jim Perrie came out of the ring he was saying “farce”. Yes and then you went to the cage. Yes I went to put the card and rosette into Mr Perrie’s bag then went out for a smoke. Dr Marrian repeated what he said and asked if he had gone out for a cigarette. Yes probably two. Mrs Nicol was still in the ring - yes she was. When I turned to look for Mr Perrie I saw her leave and heard her say “did anyone hear that man call me an arse”. Dr Marrian asked if Mr Perrie was still outside when Mr Irvine returned to the hall. Yes I think he was. So how long was it before he came back in. About five - ten minutes. Mr Nicol asked where Mr Irvine was at the ringside. At the entrance. Mr Nicol said that Mr Perrie had said he was halfway up. A discussion then followed on his actual position.

The next witness for Mr Perrie was Mrs Val Flowers of Linlithgow who said she had come along to the show although not showing her usual breed of cockers but came to see the judging since she has Rottweiler puppies. She chatted to several people then went back to the ring in time to see Best of Breed. She certainly did not hear Mr Perrie say anything except What a farce. Rev Peat asked if he had a prize card. No he had handed it to Mr Irvine. Did Mrs Nicol leave the ring at the same time. No she was having her critique done but left after that. Was Mr Perrie still in the hall at that time. Yes. Mrs McManus asked her how long she stayed and was told about fifteen minutes after the Rott judging was complete. Was she aware that Mr Perrie had left the hall. No she was wandering round chatting. David Patterson asked her exactly where she was at the time of Best of Breed and she indicated. He asked if she was at the front. No behind. Was this a busy show - yes. When Mr Perrie left the ringside who went first but she did not know saying she did not know the Rottie people. Ann Macdonald said I assume you know Mrs Nicol. Yes I would recognize her. So did you see Mr Perrie speak to her at all. No not at all. Aitken Johnston asked if she had seen the judging up to Best of Breed and how long after had she left the ringside. Yes she had seen the judging and left just a couple of minutes later. Mr Nichol did not ask any questions.

Final witness for Mr Perrie was Mrs Debbie Bone of Holytown who told the hearing that basically I was standing at the opening to the ring watching Rottweiler Open Class and Mr Perrie show his dog. He came out and handed the rosette to John, went right back in again for Best of Breed. Mrs Nicol’s pup was playing up as puppies do and she was becoming annoyed with it. Mr Perrie’s dog was standing well and showing. Mrs Nicol got Best of Breed. Mr Perrie came out and said to John that’s a farce. I think Mrs Nicol must have misheard the statement and thought he called her an arse. He came back to her and said he had not called her an arse. When asked how far away she was from Mr Perrie she replied about three feet. Aitken Johnston asked how long it was till Mrs Nicol left the ring. About one minute.

Altercation

Ann Macdonald asked where Mr Perrie was. As far as I was aware he was in the ring. Mrs Macdonald continued by asking if Mrs Bone was saying he was in the ring and she replied no they were together for Best of Breed and then he came out first. Asked how much time there was in between Mr Perrie coming back she replied I don’t think there was much time in between. He was just collecting his prize card from John. Where you aware of anything happening at the ringside. No. Was Mr Perrie annoyed. We are all annoyed if we get beaten. Mrs McManus commented that Mrs Bone had said in her statement that Mrs Nicol approached her over this altercation. Mrs Bone replied that it was not at this show. David Patterson asked what was the altercation. It was this incident. When Mrs Bone was standing at the ringside where was Mr Perrie. He was at the ringside. Basically I saw Mr Perrie go in the ring, go in for Best of Breed, come out and leave the show. Rev Peat asked where Mrs Nicol was. In the ring. He asked if she clearly recollected if they were outside the ring together. She replied, no they were outside the ring together and speaking. Asked if she heard the conversation she replied that the only conversation she heard was Jim say It’s a farce and then he came back to explain. Mrs McManus asked her to clarify what she meant when she said that Mrs Nicol had approached over the incident. Mrs Bone explained that Mrs Nicol was at a show the following week and approached me to ask if I had heard what he said and I said that was not what I had heard. Mrs McManus pointed out that from Mrs Bone’s written statement Mrs Nicol had appeared to be trying to put her version of events to Mrs Bone who said no. Dr Marrian asked her to clarify how long it was before Mr Perrie came back and spoke to Mrs Nicol. About one minute. Asked if he left the hall, did he go to the dogs she said she thought he left with John (Mr Irvine). Mr Nicol asked her if she was showing under Mrs Ramsey and who won the class. She confirmed that she was showing and that Mrs Nicol won the class. He went on and said that she had stated that Mrs Nicol’s dog would not stand or behave and Mrs Nicol was becoming frustrated. She replied that that was her opinion of the judging that day. Mr Perrie was asked if he wanted to say anything and asked to read out a statement from Mr Dick Morrison, a well known judge, Chairman and steward in the ring that day who was unable to attend since he was in Sweden. To whom it may concern. I am writing in relation to the statement made by Mrs Nicol in relation to Mr Perrie. The latter approached me on the seventeenth of February at Irvine. At about approximately 11.30 am at Cambuslang Canine Club. I was stewarding for Mrs Ramsey in the Working and Pastoral Groups. There was more than one class of Rottweilers and Mr Perrie handled in one of these classes. At no time did he make a remark or gesture or grimace. They were both at close promixity in the ring. The table was in proximity and at no time was I or the judge aware of any incident. I have known both parties as fellow exhibitors and Mr Perrie for coming to the local ringcraft. I am aware of ill feeling between the two parties but at my own show (West Lothian) I have never had cause to hear any complaint of them or worry over them. I hope this allows the panel to reach a sensible conclusion.

This completed the evidence and the panel convened to deliberate and at 3.40 pm the panel returned with the following verdict. That having considered the evidence from the complainant and the respondent, the Committee has concluded that the complainant has not established that the respondent conducted himself in a manner discreditable or prejudicial to the interest of the canine world.

While the evidence offered by witnesses from each side was consistent, the opposing versions of the alleged incident were totally different.

Mrs Nicol and her witnesses alleged that, as she left the ring, Mr Perrie stood in front of her in a very aggressive and intimidating manner and for no apparent reason verbally abused her with foul language. Mr Perrie and his witnesses maintainted that he had made an inoffensive passing comment in relation to the judging not directed at anyone in particular as he left the ring and that Mrs Nicol was still in the ring at the time. In conclusion, therefore the Committee has decided that the complaint brought by Mrs Nicol under CK rule A42 is not upheld.

Conclusion

The commitee have considered the complaint brought by Mrs I Nicol, 2 Hillside Grove, Barrhead, Glasgow. G78 1HB against Mr J Perrie 2 Bennetwood Terrace, Winchburgh, West Lothian. EH52 6TR namely that he behaved discreditably or prejudicially to the interests of the canine world in that “on 17th December 2000 at approximately 11.30am at Wishaw Sports Centre duing an open show held by Cambuslang CS, Mrs Nicol was awarded Best of Breed. As she left the ring Mr Perrie stood in front of her in a very aggressive and intimidating manner and for no apparent reason verbally abused her with foul language. He was so close to her face she thought he was going to hit her”.

Having thoroughly considered the evidence from the complainant and respondent, the commitee has concluded that the complaint has not established that the respondent conducted himself in a manner discreditable or prejudicial to the interests of the canine world.

While the evidence offered by witnesses from each side was consistent, the opposing versions of the alleged incident were totally different.

Mrs Nicol and her witnesses alleged that, as she left the ring, Mr Perrie stood in front of her in a very aggressive manner and for no apparent reason verbally abused her with foul language. Mr Perrie and his witnesses maintained that he made an inoffensive passing comment in relation to the judging, not directed at anyone in particular as he left the ring and that Mrs Nicol was still in the ring at the time.

In conclusion, therefore, the commitee has decided that the complaint brought by Mrs Nicol under Kennel Club Rule A42 is not upheld.