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Conference oass::racers

Title:	Racers and Racing
Notice:	As long as it's not NASCAR or F1 or Drags...
Moderator:	RHETT::BURDEN_D

Created:	Tue Aug 08 1995
Last Modified:	Thu Jun 05 1997
Last Successful Update:	Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:	391
Total number of notes:	4486

78.0. "GACHOT, WHY? - I want to Contribute" by BONNET::GACHOT () Thu Aug 29 1991 11:56

 	FFor your information, Your support to Bertrand is Welcome.


Erik.                                                   

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
		Condemned for a situation of legitimate defense :

		BERTRAND GACHOT - A VICTIM OF ARBITRARY JUSTICE ?

At present incarcerated in Brixton Prison (London), Bertrand Gachot did not
participate in the Formula 1 Grand Prix of Belgium. The European driver was
condemned to 18 months imprisonment for having defended himself, with a tear
gas spray, against aggression by a London taxi driver.

The incident happened on the 10th December 1990 in London. Bertrand Gachot was
driving his fiancee Kate Palmers' car to the official Jordan presentation by
7-Up. A taxi and Gachot arrived at Hyde Park Corner at the same time. The two
drivers argued over their right of way and Gachot was unable to avoid hitting
the taxi (no damage ensued). Until that time it was not more than a banal
traffic incident. Could it not happen to anyone of us ?

Bertrand remained behind the wheel. Eric Court, the driver of the taxi, got out
of his vehicle. Bertrand tried to keep the situation calm but Mr Court paid no
attention. He opened the door of Bertrand's car and grabbed him by the tie,
threatening him with his clenched fist, In reaction, Gachot used a spray.
Shaken by his aggressor, he sprayed himself first, It was the first time he had
ever used spray, He then sprayed Mr Court, Given the choice of a punch or a
spray what would you do ? The effects of a spray disappear after a few
minutes. On the other hand a black eye or a broken nose cause more damage.

"I am adamant" declared kate Palmer, "there was never any aggression on the
part of Bertrand. It was an act of self defense. You must believe in Bertrand's
good will". Only three witnesses were heard, They all confirmed that Mr Court
got out of his vehicle and went towards the car that had hit him. Kate Palmer
has already appealed and will appeal again for all those who witnessed the
incident to come forward and testify. In a declaration to the Daily Mirror on
the 16th August, Mr Court showed amazement at the sentence; he had only wanted
to be reimbursed for his soiled clothes and business lost during the period of
the incident.

After havind neutralized Mr Court, Bertrand went into a nearby building to
splash water on himself and to immerse the spray to stop its action. At that
time he had no idea that an object such as this was forbidden in England. He
never had any previous convictions. In december, he was convinced he was in the
right. Since then, he has had to appear several times in court, On the 15th of
August last sentence was passed, Bertrand was present (instead of being at the
Monza free trials). He pleaded Not Guilty, The judge, Mr Gerald Butler,
declared that "the use of a CS Gas Spray in the face of a man who, I am
convinced, showed the minimum amout of aggression towards your person, 
obliges me to pass a prison sentence with immediate effect". Lasting 18 months,
18 months for aggression on a public thoroughfare and 6 months for the 
possession of a spray, the said 6 months being included in the first penalty, 
The Court immediatelty issued a communique to the press agencies.

Gachot was taken to Brixton Prison in the south of London. Brixton is one of
the most decrepit prisons of the United Kingdom, He is in a 10m2 room, without
a telephone, without a television and without newspapers, He is allowed a
visit from relatives once every 14 days for 30 minutes.

Those close to Bertrand Gachot, namely his fiancee, Kate Paslmer, his father,
Rodolphe Gachot, his Belgian lawyer, Jean-Marc Goossens and the
Belgian-Norwegian driver, Harald Huysman, a close friend, have initiated
various proceedings starting by reorganizing his defense. His lawyers
proceeding with the case are Swycher & Co (Solicitors) and Gilbert Gray
(Barrister, Queens' Counsellor).

A reequest for release with bail was considered. The request was rejected.
Gachot must remain in prison, A request for an appeal judgment has been set for
September 19th. It is by no menans certain that this request will mean the
release of the driver, Gachot could still remain in prison, for having
defended himself against aggression with only a spray. It is already certain
that Bertrand Gachot missed his Belgian Granc Prix, He will also miss the
Grand Prix of Italy and Protugal, Indeed will he be able to take part in any
other Grand Prix this season ? Has the career of this young hope been broken ?

In Belgium, thousands of sympathizers, disgusted with the arbitrary sentence
passed on Bertrand Gachot, have demonstrated on his behalf. A non-profit
association "Gachot, Why?" has been created to undertake further action to
ensure a favourable future for Bertrand and, more especally to enable him to
take his place in the 1992 Formula 1 Championship. "Gachot, Why ASBL" will
avoid all aggressive action. 

The association is organizing a large demonstration that will take place on
Tuesday 10th September at 12h30 from the European Communicty buildings to the
British Embassy. "I am overwhelmed with the fantastic support that Bertrand has
received during the past ten days", says Kate Palmer. "It is very important
and I thank all those who have taken part from the bottom of my heart. We are
going through a very trying time, but it is marvellous to know that so many are
aware of what has happened to Bertrand".

By the way, Bertrand Gachot can receive letters and telegrams. His address is:

Bertrand Gachot 
No MW 3024 
HMP Brixton
Jebb Avenue 
Brixton
London SW2 5XF
United Kingdom

For more information please contact : Christophe Koninckx
                                      "Gachot, Why ?asbl"
				      B.P.B  520 
				      1000 Brussels 1

T.R	Title	User	Personal Name	Date	Lines
78.1		ALIEN::MCCULLEY	RSX Pro	`Fri Aug 30 1991 13:50`	17
	I just asked Erik for permission to repost his note on the USEnet newsgroup rec.autos.sport. In case anyone else wondered about the similar surnames, I asked and discovered that Erik is Bertrand's cousin. I was also told that Bertrand has been moved to a different prison: --------- Bertrand GACHOT HMP NORTHEYE BARNHORN ROAD BEXHILL ON SEA EAST SUSSEX TN39 4 QN GRANDE-BRETAGNE
78.2	good news!	ALIEN::MCCULLEY	RSX Pro	`Tue Oct 15 1991 16:10`	35
	In rec.autos.sport article <[email protected]>, [email protected] (Take a RISC...) writes: I just got more info about Bertrand. Today he appealed against the previous decision, the decision is as follows : Betrand is recognized as guilty. He has been given a suspended prison sentence of 6 months. He will be free the 15th of November. I thank all people who supported and still support Bertrand in this bad times. - Erik. the next post was this followup: Last news, and a very good one. Thanks to his good behavior, Bertrand is Free. He will be present at the next F1 Race "Japan". - Erik.
78.3		BRSRHM::WYNS	No reverse on my gearbox	`Wed Oct 16 1991 06:59`	9
	For the people who speaks french "Gachot a �t� liber� par bonne conduite ..." Luc
78.4		PSW::WINALSKI	Careful with that VAX, Eugene	`Wed Oct 16 1991 22:25`	12
	RE: .2 > He will be present at the next F1 Race "Japan". Present, but not racing. It isn't clear if he still has a contract with Jordan, and in any event the layoff from racing means that he's not in form, anyway. I do hope he can get a ride for next year and can put this incident behind him. He certainly proved his ability in the early part of the season. --PSW
78.5	Thanks for playing Bertrand	CURRNT::PAGED	What if Icke is right ?	`Thu Oct 17 1991 08:13`	7
	I'd say poor Gachot has little chance. As I've said elsewhere, Zanardi has better ($$$) backing and has got his a** in the seat at the moment. Also, Jordan has commented on the likelyhood (or lack thereof) of sponsors being attracted to a team who runs ex-cons as drivers. Things don't look good... But this is F1, anthing can happen (and usually does)
78.6	Bert's small time in F1!	NEWOA::SAXBY	Aye. When I were a lad....	`Thu Oct 17 1991 08:32`	8
	Err, considering the number of team owners under investigation or incarcertaed in recent years, I'd say Bert is a dead cert for a top drive! Or is there really no honour amongst the criminal fraternity? :^) Mark
78.7	Racing attracts all kinds	NYTP11::JANKOWITZ	Ready the lifeboats	`Thu Oct 17 1991 14:49`	16
	>> Err, considering the number of team owners under investigation or >> incarcertaed in recent years, I'd say Bert is a dead cert for a top >> drive! You mean a prime candidate for a team owner! Speaking of incarcerated racing people, I was looking in the Wall Street Journal yesterday and noticed an ad for a restored WWII plane (can't remember which one). The bottom said, call Don Whittington. Is this from the Whittington brothers who, campaigned in IMSA GTP in the early '80s? (a March and one of them won the championship)? were indicted for using drug money to support their racing? laundered drug money through Road Atlanta which they owned at the time?
78.8	Down the rathole	ELMAGO::SHOMAN	ALWAYS dally thumb up ...	`Thu Oct 17 1991 19:49`	3
	If the plane is a P51 Mustang, odds are real good it's the same Whittingtons ... They raced P51s prior to cars.
78.9	IMSA = (The Smack's) In My Sack, Arnold!	NEWOA::SAXBY	Aye. When I were a lad....	`Fri Oct 18 1991 04:43`	4
	Not to mention won Le Mans in 1979... Mark
78.10	Here today, gone -today?	NYTP05::JANKOWITZ	Ready the lifeboats	`Fri Oct 18 1991 09:32`	13
	> If the plane is a P51 Mustang, odds are real good it's the same > Whittingtons ... They raced P51s prior to cars. It wasn't a P51. I knew they used to play with them and it would have stood out in my mind. I'll see if I can find the add again. John Paul Jr. started driving after he got out of jail. I get the feeling that he didn't have quite as much money to spend racing but he did come back. It was too bad when he was taken away. He was fast in a 935 and then he missed out on the whole 962 era. Gachot certainly had a much milder offense in my opinion, self defense with a can of mace? I hope he gets his ride back.
78.11	Poor guy...	NEWOA::SAXBY	Aye. When I were a lad....	`Fri Oct 18 1991 09:50`	5
	� It was too bad when he was taken away. He was fast in a 935 and Oh yeah, tough break for a drug smuggler! Mark
78.12	a kinder, gentler conference?	ALIEN::MCCULLEY	RSX Pro	`Fri Oct 18 1991 15:54`	22
	.11> � It was too bad when he was taken away. He was fast in a 935 and .11> Oh yeah, tough break for a drug smuggler! Tough break for a kid whose father was a drug smuggler and attempted murderer. As I understand it, Jr. was neither charged nor convicted of smuggling, he copped a plea to being an accomplice in his Dad's illegal business (drug) dealings. As far as I know there has never been any hint that Jr. was involved in his father's unsuccessful attempt to knock off a federal drug informant, and I am not sure of how extensive the evidence about Jr.'s involvement in his Dad's crimes may've been. The impressions that I've gotten from reading news reports and one interview with JP Sr. are that Jr. was just unfortunate enough to have been born and raised in a family (? sic) situation with the wrong value system. Of course we already know that this forum has no forgiveness nor sympathy for children who chose the wrong parentage. Good thing John Paul Jr.'s dad wasn't a Nazi!
78.13		ALIEN::MCCULLEY	RSX Pro	`Fri Oct 18 1991 16:04`	26
	.7> Speaking of incarcerated racing people, I was looking in the Wall Street .7> Journal yesterday and noticed an ad for a restored WWII plane (can't .7> remember which one). The bottom said, call Don Whittington. Is this from .7> the Whittington brothers who, [...] Probably. The Whittington's not only raced airplanes, they also had a large used airplane brokerage business. I think they handled stuff up to the heavy transport (eg, Constellation) category. I also saw something recently about Don Whittington, not sure where or what, but it may've been in Speed Sport News, so I know he's around and active these days. In other words, he counts among the "formerly incarcerated" racing personalities, not the currently incarcerated. .7> -< Racing attracts all kinds >- Maybe. Or maybe it's that there's some particular kind that finds racing and illegal activities both attractive. Remember Christopher Wilder? Or consider that in the '50s many folks in the NASCAR circles were rumored to be involved in running moonshine, and now during the past couple of decades some of the sporty-car folks were drug traffickers? Maybe it's the affinity for adrenaline rushes that's important, not necessarily the source of those rushes?
78.14	If I only had lower morals	NYTP05::JANKOWITZ	Ready the lifeboats	`Mon Oct 21 1991 09:07`	5
	>> Maybe it's the affinity for adrenaline rushes that's important, not >> necessarily the source of those rushes? Maybe it's just - anything to find a source of money to pay for racing.
78.15	Rumor from Japan	BONNET::GACHOT		`Mon Oct 21 1991 14:05`	14
	Jordan Break down his contract with Bertrand and ask him indemnity !!! Bertrand was in Japan last week-end and here is a rumor : He will perhaps replaced Eric Bernard for the next F1 Race. But it's just a rumor !!!! The 13th of November a big meeting will take place in Paris, in Order to thanks all people who supported Bertrand. Bertrand will be there, Media and all F1 racer will be invited ..... Erik.
78.16	Like with like, or what!	NEWOA::SAXBY	Aye. When I were a lad....	`Tue Oct 22 1991 09:11`	10
	Ha, ha, ha. Love the joke about JP Jr. I guess he'll be running for President next. After all, you can forgive him his drug running conviction (accomplice or not) if he shows the right 'Ollie North' mentallity, can't you. Mark PS I don't believe MM was ever convicted of any crime related to being a Nazi?
78.17	Used plan salesman	NYTP05::JANKOWITZ	Ready the lifeboats	`Tue Oct 22 1991 09:30`	7
	WWII B17/G Flying, perfectly restored, incredible opportunity for promotion or investment. World Jet Inc., Don Whittington. Phone: 305-772-7444, Fax: 305-772-7451
78.18		NYTP05::JANKOWITZ	Ready the lifeboats	`Tue Oct 22 1991 09:49`	5
	I am glad to see that Gachot is out of jail. I don't know enough about the situation to pronounce judgement on him or any of the other people mentioned here. The only thing I do know about these people is that they are all talented. I will always think it a shame when a talented person is imprisoned.
78.19	Next F1 Race	BONNET::GACHOT		`Wed Oct 30 1991 03:13`	7
	Hello, Betrand found a ride for the next F1 Race. He will replace Eric Bernard, Larousse...!! Erik.
78.20	How do you do that?????	NYTP05::JANKOWITZ	Ready the lifeboats	`Wed Oct 30 1991 08:26`	4
	I hope he does well. I am sure that the Larousse is not as good a car as the Jordan. Boy, I wish I knew how to get someone to give me either money or a ride.