from www.dailytelegraph.com.au – THE text message scandal at Cabra-Vale Diggers, one of the state’s biggest clubs, has deepened with club CEO Bill O’Brien suspended and another executive removed from a key club industry board.

The Canley Vale club confirmed yesterday Mr O’Brien was on “extended leave pending an investigation”. But in a new twist, Michael Foulkes, the man acting as Cabra-Vale’s CEO in Mr O’Brien’s place, has also been implicated in the texting scandal.

The Daily Telegraph revealed this month that Mr O’Brien had sent images and videos of necrophilia and bestiality to several staff. Records now show many of the messages were sent to the new acting CEO’s mobile number. Asked yesterday whether he had viewed the messages, Mr Foulkes said: “I’ve got no comment.”

A third senior Cabra-Vale identity implicated in the scandal, Stephen Banister – who designed and runs the club’s human resources policy – was removed from the board of the industry super fund ClubPLUS on Monday. Many of the messages were sent to Mr Banister’s phone number.

Called about his removal yesterday, Mr Banister said: “I have nothing to say”, and hung up.

Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Union state boss Tara Moriarty said: “Mr Banister has been removed from the ClubPLUS board, and that’s positive for the industry.” She called on the club to remove all senior management involved in the scandal.