Sheffield Daily Telegraph – Friday 14 September 1917

Mexborough Betting Fine.

At the Doncaster West Riding Police Court, yesterday, a fitter named Thomas William Ibbotson, of Frederick Street, Swinton, was charged with loitering for the purpose of street betting at Mexboro’ the previous day.

Police constable Postill and Police-constable Poxton were on duty in Main Street, when they saw several men go to prisoner and hand him slips and money. He then went into the Old Masons’ Arms, where he stayed until 1.45. When he left another man went up to him and handed him a slip, which he put into his cap.

They then apprehended him and took him the Mexboro’ police station, where he said, “I have done very little to-day ; what I am doing is not for myself, but for someone else.’’

When he was searched there was found 10s. 5d. in money, a slip relating to two horses running that day at Newmarket paying-out sheet, and several blank slips. The marked slip was found in his cap.

Defendant pleaded he was not a bookmaker. If anyone gave him anything he accepted it for a friend, who was cripple. He denied loitering.

Superintendent Minty pointed out that £10 was speedily forthcoming for bail.

Prisoner: I can explain that. It was my father’s holiday money. It was what he had saved in order to go to Blackpool.

The Chairman (Mr. E. Walker Jackson) said he knew what risk he was taking. He would have to pay £10.

Prisoner (evidently surprised): Crikey! He asked for time in which to pay, but Superintendent Minty pointed out that they held the money already.

Prisoner; But it my father’s. Superintendent Minty: It was deposited.