Incarcerated driver Walter Case, Jr. has cleared another hurdle in his quest to get paroled early and return to the race bike.
A report by the New York Daily News states that the winner of over 11,000 career races appeared before the Portage County (Ohio) Court of Common Pleas on Monday alongside his attorney, Lawrence Whitney. After reviewing the proposed plan, judge John Enlow okayed an early release for Case, but only if the State of New York agrees.
Case has served four years of a five-year sentence for felonious assault after stabbing his then-estranged wife Nadine in the back with a steak knife.
"The judge has ordered another hearing for October 27," Whitney was quoted as saying in the New York Daily News article. "And he is going to let him out if the folks in Orange County, New York will accept him as a probationer. During the hearing, the judge thought that our program was a good program. That it was beneficial to Walter and his ex-wife (Nadine), given that he would be in New York and she in Ohio."
The report goes on to state that if released early on parole, Case would go to New York State.
"The plan is that his probation would be transferred to New York," said Whitney. "It would be at least a two-year probationary period. He would have to obey all laws and have to undergo counseling for alcohol, drugs and anger management, and he would have to report to that probation officer and be under the thumb of that probation officer for 24 months."
The report also states that if paroled, Case would be released to his brother, trainer Tim Case.
To read the New York Daily News article in its entirety, click here.
Trot Magazine had conducted an exclusive interview with Case during his incarceration.
The July, 2006 article can be read by clicking here.
(With files from the New York Daily News)
I am commenting after the
I am commenting after the last Comment that was put on here on 24-11-08. You go on to say to Give Eric Ledford his licence back. Ledford has his licence back, he has had back for close to a year but Walter Case jr though, I don't know the man personally I know people who do and they all say he is a Great man that is fighting his own Demons so Leave him alone let him live his life. Leave the past in the past and move on to the Future
Give the guy a chance, one
Give the guy a chance, one of the best drivers ever! I hope he makes it to the top.
In a time when the sport of
In a time when the sport of harness racing in general is facing hard times all over North America, I think it reflects poorly that the USTA would even consider granting Mr. Case a license to drive ever again. Everyone makes mistakes, and will continue to make mistakes unless there are consequences resulting from these mistakes.
Any owner or trainer that would put this man, with his record of violence, alcohol, and drug abuse, in charge of their horse should be ashamed of themselves, his brother included.
Instead, what do we get? Articles in every industry media, welcoming him back, maybe he should learn a little what back stabbing is like before getting an open armed welcome back.
In reply to In a time when the sport of by Anonymous (not verified)
Well I do Agree with you on
Well I do Agree with you on some things that you have said the harness industry is facing tough times no doubt But do you not think that Seeing bars for four years straight going to sleep to them and waking up to them is not Consiquence enough for Mr Cases Actions there is no other Driver that could even come close to Walter Case he owns Pretty much all of the Record books and I can tell you that a match up I would love to see in this Business is Tim Tetrick vs Walter CAse Jr VS my Canadian boy Paul Macdonell because those Three are Three of the industries Finest drivers.
I am glad to see such a
I am glad to see such a talented person get another chance to prove himself worthy of this. I hope now that he realizes what freedom means and that the devils that tormented him for so long have been caged and the key thrown away. Keep your head up son and may GOD be with you the rest of your life. GOOD LUCK, Ron
In reply to I am glad to see such a by ronboy7
I'm sorry but I have to
I'm sorry but I have to agree with the first comment...but not as strongly...There wasn't anyone more talented in the seat of a sulky than Walter but come on...he tried to kill his wife! If we're giving the man another chance let's start from the bottom and prove himself worthy. Eric Ledford had no business coming back to the Meadowlands and was humbled as he should have been...at least he went to Ocean Downs to try to bring himself back...Are we going to see Walter at Yonkers when the track is enjoying a well deserved resurgence in popularity and handle. He may deserve someday...but not next week.
In reply to I am glad to see such a by ronboy7
I'm sorry but I have to
I'm sorry but I have to agree with the first comment...but not as strongly...There wasn't anyone more talented in the seat of a sulky than Walter but come on...he tried to kill his wife! If we're giving the man another chance let's start from the bottom and prove himself worthy. Eric Ledford had no business coming back to the Meadowlands and was humbled as he should have been...at least he went to Ocean Downs to try to bring himself back...Are we going to see Walter at Yonkers when the track is enjoying a well deserved resurgence in popularity and handle. He may deserve someday...but not next week.
In reply to I'm sorry but I have to by Anonymous (not verified)
Hello Well what i think
Hello
Well what i think if they give walter case jr another chance. They should let dawk hawk and other drivers there licence back to drive. Drugs are bad and attempted murder is about the same. i don't care what driver walter was he isn't better than anyone else in the cut throat business. im talking from experience workin at several tracks. it all about money not character and qualifications of the driver!!! also give eric ledford lic back too.