INTOXICATED MOTORCYCLIST

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 122, 21 February 1928, Page 5

INTOXICATED MOTORCYCLIST

“TOOK UP ALL THE ROAD” 'LICENSE CANCELLED "I’eople walking along the road simply stood and gaped al him while motorists gave him a very wide berth," said Constable Ansoii in the Lower Hutt Jlagistrate’s Court yesterday, when at a special silling, presided over by Messrs. J. Power and D. C. -Martin, J.P.'s, a young man, \\ list ord George Truscott tot -Maslerlou) was cliargeu with being lound in charge of a motorcycle while in a state ot intoxication. Accused pleaded guilty. bergeam Heid staled lhal accused leit iMaslerton al 2 pan. on Saturday lor Wellington, and that al 6 p.m. lie was found in the Taita Gorge underneath his motor-cycle. Halt-au-hour later, Constables Anson and Healy saw him going through the Hutt, wobbling from side to side. Motorists could not pass him, and he Had several narrow squeaks."

Constable Anson said that he hailed a car and followed accused, but could not pass him until they were i early at the Pelono Railway Station, as Truscott took up all the road and was swaying from side to side of it. It was plain that accused was under the influence of liquor. It was an absolute wonder that accused did not knock someone down. Accused was taken to the Lower Hutt Police Station, where he was examined by a doctor. Accused, who admitted having had tour drinks during the afternoon, denied being drunk, and said that he had no recollection of the incident in the Taita Gorge. Mr. Power: The doctor’s certificate says that in his opinion you had taken liquor, and were not in a fit state to be in charge of a motor-cycle. I am convinced you were driving In a manner dangerous to the public. Truscott was fined T 3 and his license was cancelled until March 31 next. He was also ordered to pay doctor’s expenses. Accused’s request to be allowed to drive his cycle to his home town was granted.

Truscott then asked that his name might be suppressed. On Air. Power’s asking Sergeant Reid if he thought the request should be granted, the sergeant stated that he considered publication of the name in such cases was half the punishment, Accused said that he wished the name suppressed on account of his mother, who was in a delicate state of health, and who would be greatly upset should she see the account of the case. Air. Power said that it seemed strange that accused should have become so considerate all of a sudden. "You should have considered your mother in the first place,’’ he concluded.