Possible Clues:

• On reflection, offender admitting dubious tale is game in court
• Indoor game, also called: royal
• Actual number? Any number is employed in game
• Offender taken aback, receiving a let-off in such a court
• Remarkably silent, near ancient game
• Relent, as in 'Play the game'
• In which court member served offender recalled about late wrong
• Old sport
• BG's tale unfolded during rise of transgressor
• Actual number taking wrong turn in game