Carrathool Jockey Club has vowed to fight for a streaker who has run foul of the law.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Michael ‘Mook’ Tiffin streaked during the Jillaroo Sprint at the Carrathool Races. Four days later, police gave him a court attendance notice for offensive conduct.
Mr Tiffin said he didn’t understand why nothing was said on the day.
“Police officers were there and saw me do it, why didn’t they say anything at the time?” he asked. “Security didn’t do anything, organisers said there was no harm done, I don’t see what the big fuss is. I’m going to fight it in court.”
Sergeant Brett Ryan from Griffith Local Area Command said it was inappropriate behaviour and police wanted to send a clear message. “This type of behaviour is in fact an offence,” Sergeant Ryan said.
“Legal action will be taken against persons involved in this type of conduct.”
Mick Armstrong from Carrathool Jockey Club said the summons was ridiculous.
“No one has complained to us, either on the day or since,” Mr Armstrong said. “There are worse things in the world than a man running down a track with his bum hanging out. We’re going to get together and help him fight this.”
According to Mr Armstrong, witnesses thought it was “hilarious”. “It was a good end to the day,” Mr Armstrong said. “He was covered up, he wasn’t naked, what if he was wearing a g-string instead?” Mr Armstrong backed up Mr Tiffin’s claim that police witnessed the event. “The police there didn’t do anything,” Mr Armstrong said. “There are drugs and assaults going on but police are chasing this trivial matter. “I think it’s a complete waste of their time.”
Mr Tiffin said a spur-of-the-moment decision saw him run onto the track.
“When we heard the horses wouldn’t be running I thought I’d cheer the crowd up a bit,” Mr Tiffin said.
“Would they rather deal with a rowdy crowd or one that was having a laugh?” The 25-year-old from Leeton said he had only just arrived at the races and had a few beers before the foot races began. “People had travelled hundreds of kilometres for the races and to have them called off was a bit disappointing,” Mr Tiffin said. “I didn’t do it for attention, just to cheer people up.
“I lightened the mood for everyone.”
Mr Tiffin will appear in Griffith Local Court on April 29.