CRIPPLES HIRED.

Grey River Argus, 26 February 1927, Page 1 (Supplement)

CRIPPLES HIRED.

STREET BETTING RUSE. DETECTIVE TELLS BENCH. Reference to the men behind the scenes who employ others to conduct their illegal betting, was made at South Melbourne Court, when a number of defendants, mostly old men, invalids and cripples, were charged with having been in certain streets for the purpose of receiving money on a sporting contingency. Fines of £2O were imposed in each case with £4 costs.

One man, Janies Smith, asked for lenient treatment because if he were fined heavily he would not be able to obtain the money, and consequently would have to go to gaol. As he was suffering from asthma ami heart disease this would result in His death. He was in receipt of only 9/- a week. Detective Sergeant Deeley, who was| conducting the prosecutions, said it' was the practice of the men higher up to engage cripples and others in illhealth, because they knew the police would be les:- severe on them on a< « nnnt

of their infirmities. Mr Conlon, S.M.: Rut surely when these men arc caught the men behind tho scenes help them to pay the fine? Detective Deeley: No,. I don’t think they de. Smith was fined £26.