Kiwi Footballer Faces Sentencing in Major Spot-Fixing Case

A former New Zealand footballer, Lewis, is facing sentencing in a significant spot-fixing scandal that has shaken Australian sports. On Wednesday, October 25, 2023, he appeared in the local court of New South Wales in Sydney alongside his former teammate Kearyn Baccus. Both players pleaded guilty to charges related to a scheme aimed at manipulating betting outcomes through yellow-card incidents, allegedly orchestrated by their former captain, Ulises Davila.

The hearing was initially set for sentencing; however, after extensive arguments from Lewis’ legal team, Magistrate Michael Blair postponed the proceedings until next Wednesday. The defence is advocating for a community release order of two years, arguing that a formal conviction should not be entered against Lewis.

During the hearing, lawyer Gabrielle Bashir emphasized that Lewis was “targeted and exploited” due to his known gambling addiction. She highlighted the power dynamics at play, stating that Lewis was pressured by someone who held significant influence over him. Bashir presented evidence of Lewis’ current struggles with gambling addiction and his ongoing treatment.

The court was informed that Lewis has endured considerable mental health challenges since his arrest in May 2022. Bashir noted that the incident, which involved police raiding his apartment while he and his partner were asleep, has led to diagnoses of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for Lewis. The media widely circulated images of the arrest, adding to the public scrutiny he has faced.

Bashir argued that Lewis has already suffered substantial punishment and carries the societal stigma associated with the scandal. She stated, “He has carried the scorn of the nation. It will indelibly follow him for the rest of his life.”

The prosecution is seeking community correction orders for both Lewis and Baccus. They urged the magistrate to consider the implications for the football community if convictions were not recorded. The prosecution’s position underscores the importance of maintaining integrity in sports, particularly given the high-profile nature of the case.

Meanwhile, Davila has yet to enter a plea regarding the nine charges he faces, with his next court appearance scheduled for later this month. The outcome of this case is likely to have lasting effects not only on the individuals involved but also on the broader sporting landscape in Australia.