Leighton Bennett has been suspended from playing Darts Regulation Authority (DRA) sanctioned events, it has been announced.

A statement from the body revealed that the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA) reported in September that there were suspicious betting patterns detected in his matches.

Bennett has been a highly-regarded prospect throughout his time in the youth ranks, and the 18-year-old claimed his PDC Tour Card earlier this year with the hope of showing his talents against the very best.

However, Bennett has now been suspended after suspicious betting patterns were identified during the MODUS Super Series in 2023.

The matches were alleged to have taken place between September 6 and September 9. The DRA have now ruled that Bennett is suspended from competing in DRA governed events until the conclusion of the hearing. Billy Warriner has also been suspended.

The teen is faced four opponents during the two-day period, Mindaugas Barauskas, Benjamin Drue-Reus, Ryan Harrington and Mindaugas Barauskas.

The statement read: “The Darts Regulation Authority with support from the Gambling Commission Sports Betting Intelligence Unit conducted a thorough investigation into the allegation. The DRA Chairman Nigel Mawer has now decided that Leighton Bennett and Billy Warriner both have a case to answer for a number of serious breaches of the DRA Rules.

“As a result of this decision, Leighton Bennett and Billy Warriner have been suspended from attending or competing in DRA governed events until the conclusion of the hearing or hearings and the determination of this matter. Both players have the right to appeal the suspension decision.

“Their case will be referred to the DRA Disciplinary Committee where a formal hearing will take place on a date to be confirmed. There is no suggestion that the other players in the matches in question were involved in any way.”