The Darts Regulation Authority (DRA) has imposed an eight-year ban on Leighton Bennett, following his conviction for match-fixing activities.
The investigation into the young player, just 18 years old, began after The International Betting Integrity Association raised concerns over dubious betting patterns linked to four matches involving Bennett in the previous year’s Modus Super Series.
Bennett faced ten charges related to manipulating the outcomes of these matches. These charges included leaking critical match information, obstructing the investigative process, and entering into agreements with an unlicensed agent.
As stated by the DRA, “For verified violations of DRA regulations involving eight accusations connected to fixing the results of four matches, one charge for obstructing an investigation, and one for signing with an unauthorized agent, Bennett is prohibited from participating in or engaging with any DRA-governed events for a total duration of eight years.”
Bennett is also required to cover £8,100.23 in legal costs, with his ban concluding on August 11, 2032.
Another individual, Billy Warriner, was also banned as a result of the inquiry. Warriner admitted to 19 out of 21 allegations, which included conspiring in fixing matches, sharing confidential information, organizing such betting activities, failing to cooperate with the investigation on four occasions, functioning as an unlicensed agent, and placing bets on Darts.
Additionally, Warriner acknowledged guilt in an unrelated incident where he verbally assaulted an official and threatened a rival at a Darts event. Consequently, he received a lengthier ban lasting a decade.
Back in July, the DRA initially indicated that Bennett and Warriner had substantial allegations to confront concerning several significant breaches related to betting, resulting in their suspensions as the probe commenced.
Bennett and Warriner have the opportunity to appeal the Disciplinary Committee’s decisions until December 14, 2024, according to the DRA.
The DRA concluded the matter by asserting, “It is confirmed in the DRA’s findings that no other players were implicated in the match-fixing activities.”