AN INFORMER PROSECUTED

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 235, 2 April 1912, Page 8

AN INFORMER PROSECUTED

A PECULIAR CASE. . By Telegraph—Press Association. i Wanganui, Last Night. ' A case of considerable importance to I bookmakers was heard to-day before the j local magistrates. A few weeks ago a punter named Crane quarrelled with a local bookie named Blain and informed the police that Blain was betting at tote odds. Blain was prosecuted and convicted on Crane's evidence. Crane applied to the magistrate for a certificate of indemnity, but Mr. Mackay, Blain's counsel, objected on the grounds that such certificate could not be granted in respect of betting informers. The magistrate agreed and refused to grant the certificate. Blain then laid an information against Crane for aiding and abetting in tote betting. The information was heard to-day, Mr. Mackay tendering as his sole evidence statements made by Crane in court. Mr. Cohen, who appeared for Crane, caused considerable amusement by ah ironiaal eulogy of Blain as a moral reformer. Ultimately Crane was convicted and fined £5 and costs. The result will be an increased difficulty in obtaining evidence in suck cases. The police state that they will apply to the Department for a grant to recoup Crane, who gave his evidence solely on the condition that he was indemnified. /