Mexborough & Swinton Times – Friday 11 December 1931
Denaby Betting House.
Bookie Nearly Too Quick For Police.
Alfred Wellings, a Denaby bookmaker, was summoned at Doncaster on Tuesday for using and keeping a betting house. He and the twice previously fined for betting offences.
Mr. C. N. Roberts, prosecuting, said that on October 22nd observation was kept on 77 Warmsworth Street, Denaby, between 12 and 3 p.m., and 33 persons were seen to enter. On October 23rd between 12 and p.m. 96 persons were seen to enter. On October 24th, about 1.45 p.m., the house was raided and when the police went to the back door they found it locked. They shouted several times but the occupier refused to open. The police then looked through the kitchen window and saw defendant hurrying from the fire-place on which some papers were blazing. The police were compelled to force the door and on going to the fire-place only found burnt papers. Just after they had entered two girls aged 12 and a boy came in and all had betting slips in their possession. When cautioned and asked if he had anything to say, Welling* said, “You are just too late. A lad has taken the stuff away to the office.” A total of £ 8 0s. 1 ½ d. in cash was found on the premises. In the back yard was found a betting clock which was going, and a quantity of football coupons and other betting material.
Mr. F. W. Scorah, who appeared for the defendant, said Wellings now realised that this betting business was no good. He made up his mind following his last conviction to live it up, but as a result of military service he had a gastric stomach and had not been able to do real work. “I am sure your worships will feel it is to his credit,” said Mr. Scorah, “that he has been trying to keep off relief.”
Defendant’s sister had now supplied him with funds to open a small greengrocer’s shop.
A fine of £20 was imposed, the Chairmen (Mr. O. B. Shiffner), remarking that defendant had had a recent warning.
For resorting or allowing children to resort to the premises Albert E. Barker, Gertrude McGowan, Marjorie Roberts, Elsie Crookes and Lily Barnett, all of Denaby, were each bound over.