GAMING HOUSE KEEPER.

Waipa Post, Volume XXIV, Issue 1396, 24 May 1923, Page 5

GAMING HOUSE KEEPER.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES SAVE HIM FROM GAOL. AUCKLAND, Wednesdayq. Herbert Briefly. 20. tobacconist and hairdresser, convicted last week of conducting a common gaming house, was fined £2O this morning when lie appeared before Mr J, W. I'ovnton, S.M. Mr Alan Moody, who appeared for Briefly, said lie fully appreciated the Court's warning that offenders under the Gaming Act would be punished with imprisonment, except in cases where special circumstances war ranted more lenient treatment. Counsel suggested that there were special circumstances attendant upon this case. Last: Wednesday, when His Worship sentenced Briefly to imprisonment accused was dumb, but atferwirds, when the Court resolved to defer sentence, he informed counsel of certain facts that might impress the Court as to his fitness for leniency. Before attaining the age of 18 years accused joined the N.Z.E.iF. and went 'through the Gallipoli campaign, going to France. He was away wmi New Zealand through the whole period of the war, and was several times wounded. His left hand -was of very little use owing to a wound. Accused supported his people giving his mother £2 each week. He urged the Court to show leniency. Accused had an unblemished character, iuid had r -cived such a shock thai .he was never likely to take any risks again. ': he Miji' : «'.ra!e -aid ' >■ intended to adhere to what he had threatened to do. His Worship <'">>> :hi he w mid look upon this case as an exceptional one. hu! i! mu u t n>! tie considered in any way a precedent Briefly would be !:ir.d '■.':'". wi,h costs 7s, and would : avr 24 hours in which to lind (he money.