THE BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXV, Issue 16567, 3 June 1914, Page 3

THE BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT

ALLEGED BREACH OF THE GAMING ACT. Edward Duller appeared at the Magistrate's . Court yesterdav before Mr H. W. Bishop, S.M., and was charged with having committed a breach of the Gaming Act by betting at tho New Brighton races last month. Mr Malley appeared for the defendant, who pleaded not guilty. Detectives M'Connell and Torrance and Frank O'Connell gave evidence to tho effect that Duller was.at the New Brighton racecourse. They said that they saw men go up to Duller, sometiling was handed to the defendant, and he made entries in a book. Duller was a hawker, and he was known to have been a bookmaker. Detective O'Connell stated that he had warned Duller off the course on two occasions. In answer to a question by Mr Malley, Mr Bishop said that the fact that a man who was known to bo a bookmaker was accepting money from men and making entries in a book on tho course was prima facie evidence of betting. Edward Duller, in his defence, stated that he went to tho races because it was a rough day and there were no fish. He wanted to be among the sports. He did not do any bookmnkhig, but lie i\as investing money on the totalisator with other . men, and the money that passed, between them Mas either to put on the totalizator or the dividends received. Edward Lloyd stated that he only knew Duller slightly, and saw him at Now Brighton races. Wiili bini he made up a ticket on the totalisator. The horse won, and he went back again to Duller to pay him the dividend. Later he made up a ticket with Duller on Admiral Wood in the Derby. "I am going to give you the' benefit this time," said Mr Bishop to Duller, " but you must not. run away with the idea that I am satisfied with the truth of your story. But !• want you to understand this, that if I convict you again I'll send you to gaol without the option of a fine. So it you have any regard for your wife and family you will remember what I say to you, for as sure as you stand there I'll send you to gaol next time. You are discharged." ANOTHER CASE ADJOURNED. liklgar Neate was similarly charged, but on Mr M. Donnelly's application the case was adjourned until Juno 6.