Mexborough and Swinton Times October 26, 1912

Betting in the Goldthorpe District.

Police say there is an Increase.

Bolton man fined

” Betting is on the increase in the Goldthorpe district,” said Inspector Barraclough, referring to the case in which George Fennell, a miner, of Bolton-on-Dearne, was charged with loitering for the purpose of making bets, at Highgate, on October 17th. ” There is no doubt but that they are the tools of other men.”

The prisoner pleaded guilty. The case was proved by P.c. Duncan, who said that he was in company with P.c. Lundy at Highgate somewhere about 19 o’clock. They saw the prisoner standing with several men around, who, in turn, each handed him something, to which the prisoner gave them something back. This occurred at the back of Bolton Road. When he had finished his business he jumped on his bicycle and made towards where the witness was concealed. They stepped out, and charged him with the offence, to which he made the reply, “It’s no use saying anything.”

In his possession were found two slips with names of horses on, which were running that day at Newmarket, and also relating to horses that had run the previous day. The paying-out slips showed cash amounting to £2 8s 6d to be paid to 47 persons. Also he also had two pocket books, five lead pencils, and cash to the amount of 12s. 9d.

There were two precious convictions against prisoner— one for being drunk and disorderly and the other for gaming. The defendant said that it was incorrect to state that there were men round him; other wise the evidence was true.

Fined £2 including costs.