Charge dropped in Vic 'courtsiding' case

Victorian police say the dropping of charges against a UK man accused of `courtsiding' at the Australian Open should not be seen as an invitation for people to engage in the illegal betting practice.

Daniel Thomas Dobson, 22, was arrested after an Australian Open match in January following intelligence received by Tennis Australia and passed on to police.

Prosecutors had alleged Mr Dobson was one of six people who travel the world to send live results of points won at tennis tournaments directly to a betting agency.

It was alleged Mr Dobson sent results before the agency could get them through the official channels and that had the ability to affect betting odds.

Mr Dobson was charged with one count of engaging in conduct that would corrupt a betting outcome.

But on Thursday prosecutors announced the charge would be dropped.

Police released a brief statement explaining the decision by the Director of Public Prosecutions.

"After careful consideration and consultation with the DPP, Victoria Police accepts the DPP's decision not to proceed with charges following allegations of courtside betting during the Australian Open in January 2014 at this time," it said.

"This decision, which is based on the circumstance of this case, should not be seen as an invitation for people to attend the Australian Open next year and engage in courtsiding."

Mr Dobson's barrister David Galbally QC told the Melbourne Magistrates Court his client's reputation had been damaged and applied for costs, which will be determined at a later hearing.

Mr Dobson was the first person charged with Victoria's new courtsiding offence.

Courtsiding was made illegal in Victoria last year, with new laws introduced covering offences related to cheating at gambling.

Mr Dobson, who is the son of a UK police detective inspector, has returned to the UK and was not in court on Thursday.