Bookmaker Fined £25 For Offence At Greymouth

Greymouth Evening Star, 14 March 1949, Page 2

Bookmaker Fined £25 For Offence At Greymouth

A fine of £25, with 10s costs, was imposed on Eugene George Coakley, aged 65 years, described as a labourer, by Messrs M. J. Fogarty and E.. 0. Henry, J.P.’s, in the Police Court at Greymouth this morning. Coakley, who was represented by Mr C. R. McGinley, had pleaded guilty to a charge of carrying on the business of a bookmaker at Greymouth on Saturday.

Detective-Sergeant N. Thompson, said that, in company with Detective Stewart, he interviewed the accused regarding his alleged bookmaking activities. The accused admitted that he-had been taking bets for some little time, acting as an agent only. He did not wish to disclose his principal. , , The accused, added the detectivesergeant, was 65 years ■of age and had not previously been in trouble There was no reason to doubt his statement that he was acting as an agent. ■ 5 Mr McGinley said that the accused was rather foolish in one way. He preferred to show his independence by working as an agent for a bookmaker, rather than applying for a benefit under the Social Security Act, to which he was entitled. “I am afraid that is not a good excuse,” said Mr Fogarty. “The accused will be fined £25, with court costs 10s.”