Barry Hearn welcomes the news of ‘No frame fix charges’ for Stephen Maguire and Jamie Burnett
World Snooker Chairman, Barry Hearn pleased to learn that there is insufficient evidence to justify a criminal prosecution against Stephen Maguire and Jamie Burnett, for their alleged involvement in match-fixing,
back in December, 2008.
Both Scottish professional snooker players, Stephen Maguire and Jamie Burnett, were accused of match-fixing in their UK Championship match, which was held back in 2008 and was won by Maguire by frame score of 9-3.
The investigation started when the Scottish Crown Office came to know that the bookies had already predicted a 9-3 frame score in favour of Maguire.
However, the Procurator Fiscal at Hamilton has now confirmed that the Crown Office has cleared both players of all the charges.
Barry Hearn in the meanwhile, was very delighted and has welcomed the news. While speaking to reporters regarding the case, Hearn said, "I'm very pleased that there is no evidence to support legal action against the
two players. I'm somewhat surprised that this matter has been hanging around since December 2008 and obviously the cloud of suspicion has been cast over the two players concerned, which must have been very difficult for them."
Hearn admitted the fact that the Scottish council took a bit took a bit too long in resolving the case, "It's a shame it wasn't resolved much more quickly, and presumably, at less cost to the public purse strings.
I found it quite frustrating waiting, and I'm sure both Burnett and Maguire will be relieved to have that cloud of suspicion removed from them."
The Crown Office has now handed over the case to the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) to investigate the case and it will now be led by the head of the WPBSA’s disciplinary committee, David
Douglas.
Hearn spoke about the WPBSA handling the case and said that they will investigate the case in their own way but will keep this fact in mind that it was three years back and the players have been cleared of all the
charges.
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