Tim Paine’s text scandal has major development as Australian Federal Court makes a big decision
Tim Paine (Image Credit: Twitter)
Former Australia Test and ODI skipper, Tim Paine may have gotten some relief on the ‘sexting’ dating way back in 2017. At that time, he wasn’t even in contention for the selection in the national side. However, things changed drastically early next year after the ‘Sandpaper Gate’. After the suspension of the then-skipper Steve Smith and his deputy, David Warner, Paine became the captain of the Test and ODI sides.
At that time, the incident didn’t get into the public domain and the wicketkeeper batter’s life was as usual. In the meantime, he was replaced by Aaron Finch as the ODI captain. The former continued leading the red-ball side and donned the Baggy Green until November last year. In a build-up to the Ashes 2021-22, the incident came to light.
At that time, it was revealed that the Tasmania player sent some inappropriate images to the Cricket Tasmania (CT) employee. After this, the 37-year-old decided to step away from the game for a while. On the other hand, the complainant tried to file a case against Paine and CT for sexual harassment during her employment with the association between 2015-17. However, the Australian Federal court has denied her request.
Can’t process the application as the complaint was filed too late: Justice Mordy Bromberg
Justice Mordy Bromberg who oversaw the complaint said that he wasn’t ‘satisfied’ with whether if the complaint was in the best interests of the administration of justice. He pointed out that the application was filed way too late. Notably, the complainant has till November last year to file the case which she didn’t do. However, she reasoned ‘mental and physical health as well as her economic stability’ for doing so.
“I am not satisfied that it is in the interests of the administration of justice to permit Ms Ferguson to make her very late application,” he wrote.
“Conscious of the significant media attention which has been given to this proceeding, I seek to emphasise that my decision is not a vindication of either Ms Ferguson or TCA’s (Cricket Tasmania) version of events.”
