BALANCED COVERAGE BY A. THOMPSON

Scrabble rouser in court victory as ban ruling overturned

• by: Angus Thompson
• From: Herald Sun
• January 05, 2015

Mohammed A. Hegazi at Ringwood Magistrates court. Picture: Stuart Milligan Source: News Corp Australia

A SCRABBLE player has spelled victory in a court battle to clear his name over findings of misconduct.

Mohammed A. Hegazi served a one-year ban from competitions amid claims of unbecoming conduct by the Australian Scrabble Players Association in 2008.

But Ringwood Magistrates’ Court today revoked the resolution following a long running feud in which Mr Hegazi has fought “tooth and nail” against the decision.

Lawyer Adam Baker, acting for the association, said Mr Hegazi, a former schoolteacher, had complained about the way opponents handled tiles and accused other players of cheating without any basis.

“He was accused of creating an environment where it was unpleasant to play in,” Mr Baker told Ringwood Magistrates’ Court.

The parties agreed during a pre-hearing conference in September 2014 to overturn the 2008 resolution that saw Mr Hegazi slapped with the 12-month suspension.

But his lawyer, Robert Frajsman, asked the court to insert a clause in the terms of settlement revoking claims of cheating levelled against Mr Hegazi in 2008.

Triple word score. Mohammed A. Hegazi has won in court in a battle over Scrabble. Source: News Limited

The court heard that Mr Hegazi had been accused by an onlooker of hiding a tile under his leg during a tournament.

“My client is seeking an express reference to cheating,” Mr Frajsman said.

But magistrate Phillip Ginnane said it was not within his power to revoke that accusation because it had not been subject to the pleadings by the parties.

“There might be a nine-letter word for fail called ‘dismissed’ that may come along,” Mr Ginnane said.

After consulting with Mr Hegazi, Mr Frajsman said his client wished to withdraw the proceeding and accept the settlement put to him by ASPA in September.

Mr Ginnane dismissed the proceeding and ordered ASPA’s 2008 resolution be repealed and that the association announce the court’s decision in its quarterly publication, Across the Board.

But while Mr Hegazi has had the last word, he was ordered to pay ASPA’s costs of $3096.83.

Mr Hegazi said outside court: “it’s a moral win but a financial loss.”

He also reiterated that he was not a cheat.

“There is a group of people who are trying for whatever reason to make that claim stick,” he said.

Asked if he would continue playing Scrabble, he responded: “Yes, I don’t see why not.”

angus.thompson@news.com.au
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My Comment:
Aussie justice is the best you can buy.
Mohammed Hegazi