Since the court case relating to Michael Kellard, we have had to read and listen to defamatory statements made against this venue and our staff. We have maintained child protection and safeguarding policies and our staff have worked continually with Social Services, local schools, Dorset Police, Dorset Trading Standards and Commercial Child Caring Organisations over the last 25 years.

 

We would like to inform you of our connections with Michael Kellard and what we were aware of.

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On the 1st July 2004 Clay Pigeon Raceway leased the shop to the father of one of the victims who employed Michael Kellard as manager of the shop and team. We would like to remind people that these charges related to a period from 2002 to 2005. We understand there was a financial disagreement between Michael Kellard and the lease holder, and a deal was agreed between them for the transfer of the lease and stock on the 1st February 2005.

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The first knowledge of any offence which may or may not have been committed by Michael Kellard occurred at another venue and in court Michael Kellard was found not guilty. Since then, the victim and family has continued to trade with Michael Kellard and we have received no complaints from any member of Michael Kellard's team or anybody else.

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We had a visit in Mid-August 2021 from two individuals who asked if Michael Kellard was on this venue. The two individuals did not disclose they were police officers, and they were escorted to the shop. Our assumption was that they were HMRC.

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At this time, we had NO contact from Dorset Police.

The first we heard of any issues with Michael Kellard was a conversation with two MSUK employees who explained that a historic allegation had been made against him. As explained to MSUK he was a tenant on this venue and issues with the handling of these allegations will be different to ourselves due to civil law and liability.

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At the time of arrest, we approached Dorset Police, and they informed us of Mr Kellard's bail conditions, and we worked fully with them concerning all aspects of this case as requested.

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The first we knew of the serious charges against Michael Kellard were when they were reported in the local press on the 2nd March 2023.

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We then terminated his lease on the shop.

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Dorset Police, the courts and MSUK are dealing with this matter, and we welcome the conviction of Michael Kellard.

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Clay Pigeon Raceway have strict controls with all our tenants and are committed to the welfare of our customers.

 

We would also encourage any person who has any further complaints to contact Dorset Police directly.