INTOXICATED DRIVER

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27410, 24 July 1954, Page 9

INTOXICATED DRIVER

MAN FINED £5O

TWO PEDESTRIANS INJURED (New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, July 23. “If. ever there were a case that merited imprisonment, this would be such a case,” said Mr J. Drummond, S.M., in the Wellington Magistrate’s Court today, addressing a 28-year-old painter, Melvin Irvine Ridgway. Ridgway appeared on charges of driving a car while intoxicated, failing to stop after an accident, and having no warrant of fitness for the vehicle. He pleaded guilty to the charges of intoxication and lacking a warrant of fitness.

Two persons had been injured crossing Russell terrace when they had been knocked down by Ridgway’s car as it swerved round the corner from Riddiford street in the early morning of June 27, said Sub-Inspector F. W. Edwards.

Ridgway had carried on until overtaken by another motorist, who had seen the accident. Ridgway had subsequently told the police: “I didn’t know I had. had an accident—l was too drunk.”

Percy Wilspn Mailer, a post office employee, said he had been escorting a girl along Riddiford street after a dance. They had stepped out into Russell terrace, and the next thing he remembered was waking up in hospital. Ridgway had been very drunk and had thought the impact was caused by striking a rut, said Mr G. C. Kent, who appeared for him. It was not until he saw the broken glass from his shattered windscreen that he realised something more serious must have happened. He had then heard another car hooting beside him, and stopped immediately. He then noticed his windscreen w’as completely shattered. He could not believe that Ridgway still believed he had only struck a rut when he felt the broken glass on his face and hair, said the Magistrate. The plea of advanced intoxication was a dangerous defence to adopt, he said. He imposed a fine of £5O on the charge of intoxication white driving, and suspended Ridgway’s licence for 18 months. A further fine of £5 was imposed for failing to stop, and a conviction for failing to have a warrant of fitness. Costs amounted to £3.