He told the tribunal he was embarrassed and ashamed about the offences, that he had not used illicit drugs since 2018 and that after a period living in Ireland and Malta he had returned to Australia “entirely different” and with a clear mind.

He had previously pointed to contamination as the cause of the positive test to cocaine by a dog in his kennel 12 years ago.

A report from a psychiatrist was also put before Bellew. It stated that Azzopardi suffered from significant depression following the collapse of his marriage in 2012, undermining his decision-making ability, including his motivation and capacity to appeal after he was sidelined. He had a substance abuse disorder between 2012 and 2017, the report said.

Lawyers for Azzopardi argued the penalties were unfair, unjust and crushing, telling the tribunal “the inherently oppressive nature of the penalties is reflected not only in their magnitude, but in the order that they be served cumulatively”.

Now based in Grafton, the trainer had sought to appeal in 2022 but was denied an extension of time he needed to fight his ban so long after it was handed down.

GRNSW told the tribunal that decision should be final and binding and that if Azzopardi’s position was accepted, there would “never be an end” to similar applications years after sanctions were imposed.

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“The difficulties with which [Azzopardi] has been beset, whilst deserving of some sympathy, should not be allowed to dilute the importance of ensuring the integrity of greyhound racing,” GRNSW’s legal counsel said.

Disciplinary matters are now overseen by the Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission (GWIC), the independent regulator formed in 2018 following the live baiting scandal, which prompted NSW premier Mike Baird to announce he was shutting the industry down before changing his mind three months later.