Social media users in the harness racing realm should take notice that a recent Supreme Court decision has led to an individual in Australia's Standardbred industry being on the hook to pay $140,000 in damages to one of their targets.

According to an article by The West Australian, this past February, Dean Baring, a member of the Down Under harness racing industry, posted false comments online in reference to Barbara Scott, the chief steward of Harness Racing WA.

According to The West Australian, Baring, in a particular post, stated that it had been reported that Scott would be leaving her chief steward position due to “a very embarrassing recording” that had been leaked. Baring went on to state in his post that, in the view of many, Scott had let the sport down and that it was time for the industry to part ways with her.

The West Australian piece explains that the post in question had 398 likes, shares and comments attached to it. Baring’s page had more than 9,100 followers at the time. Scott ended up taking a stress-leave from her position, as she was diagnosed with mixed anxiety, depression and adjustment disorder from the situation.

Barbara Scott, pictured in an undated photo

Scott has been quoted as saying, “I was shocked by some of the vile and disgusting comments about myself; it was like a lynch mob.” She went on to say, “I felt helpless because I could see my reputation being destroyed and I needed to correct the record.”

The article goes on to state that Baring removed the post in question after legal demands were issued by Scott’s representation. Scott ultimately took the matter to court, where Supreme Court Master Craig Sanderson ruled in her favour and awarded her a $140,000 defamation payout.

Richard Burt, the chief executive of Racing and Wagering WA, has stated that his organization will not accept the type of abuse that was directed at Scott.

“We are not going to allow our people who are merely doing their job and acting on behalf of racing to be attacked,” said Burt, who went on to state, “and we’ll support our people to take action where it’s warranted.”

(With files from The West Australian)