POLICE COURT

Evening Star, Issue 22455, 28 September 1936, Page 1

POLICE COURT

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28. (Before Air 11. W. Bundle, S.M.) DRUNKENNESS. Hugh Gcrrard Curry, who had been twice previously convicted within six mouths, was fined 20s, in default 48 hours’ imprisonment. A young woman, Paul Maud Mereweather Scott, was convicted only on a charge of drunkenness. TRUCK DRIVER CHARGED. Matthew Duffy '52) pleaded not guilty to charges of being intoxicated while in charge df a motor truck in Law street, and of resisting Constable John Wrobleuski in the execution of his duty. Mr C. J. Smith appeared for Duffy. Sergeant Boulton said Duffy was found to be exceptionally drunk. When an affer by a sober man to drive the truck to the Police Station was made, Duffy became violent and assaulted the constable. A severe struggle occurred while the man was being brought to the station. The truck was found not to bo in a “ roadworthy ” condition. Mr Smith applied for a remand and bail, stating that defendant was a farmer. A remand till Thursday was granted, bail being allowed in accused’s own recognisance of £25, a condition being that tho truck remained in the possession of the police in the meantime. The charge of resisting the police was adjourned till Thursday. PROBATION FOR YOUTHS. John Alexander IjVilliam Forrester (Mr J. G. Warrington) appeared for sentence on two charges of car conversion. Frederick Mason Forrester and John Elliot Rowe appeared for sentence on one charge. Mr John Garbutt said that John Forrester was the ringleader. Separation of the youths was very necessary. The elder youth needed control. Mr Warrington said Forrester had no previous conviction for dishonesty, and, in a measure, the offences could be ascribed to tho irresponsibility of youth. Ho had spent three days in gaol, and that must inevitably be a salutary lesson to one of his age. He had not damaged the car nor stolen any petrol, and had not endeavoured to shelve the blame on the younger accused. The owner of the car had expressed her regret that Forrester had got into trouble, John Forrester was admitted to probation for two years, and the other lads to probation for one year. Special conditions were that they should not drive cars or be out of their homes later than 11 p.m. without the written consent of the probation officer. The younger Forrester and Rowe were told that they must not associate during the period of probation. INTOXICATED MOTORIST REMANDED. Alan John Wilson (28) appeared on remand on a charge of being intoxicated while in charge of a motor car on Saturday. Sergeant 'Boulton said that Wilson was arrested by Constable Chator ai Manse street, after being seen to stagger and fall and then to attempt to start tho vehicle. The accused came from Milton, having driven his mother, his married sister and baby into the city. The car was searched and three gallons of stout and an empty beer bottle were found. Wilson was so drunk that he was unable to start the car, even though it was in excellent mechanical order. Mr E. J. Anderson, who appeared for Wilson, intimated that after going into the facts of tho case he wished to alter tho original plea to one of guilty. “It is futile to say this man was not drunk—ho was completely drunk,” said counsel. Tho ear was not in perfect mechanical order, the starter being worn out. AVilson was at present unemployed, and was assisting his widowed mother about the home. Although he did not own a motor car, he had been previously employed as a lorry driver, and unfortunately, still possessed a drivers’ license. Tho car was a borrowed one. and while his mother and sister visited friends. Wilson forgot Ins responsibilities and went drinking. A* redeeming feature _of tile case was that Wilson had realised his state, and had actually ordered a taxi to return to Milton before he was arrested. He had never been in trouble previously, and did not enjoy the best of health. If tho vehicle had not been borrowed the offence would not have occurred. Tho Magistrate; He apparently not only forgot his responsibilities as a driver, but also his responsibilities to Ins mother, sister, and the baby. It was fortunate that tho constable was about. Counsel • Most fortunate, sir. Wilson was remanded in custody till Friday.