MANSLAUGHTER CHARGE.

Hokitika Guardian, 15 October 1927, Page 4

MANSLAUGHTER CHARGE.

W. S. BAGBY COMMITTED EOR TRIAL. AUCKLAND, Oct. 11l The well-known jockey, Walter Scott Bagbv, aged 20 years, was to-day committed to the Supreme Court for trial on a charge of manslaughter arising out of the death of Airs Elizabeth Sarah Shortt, who was knocked down by accused’s nntor-car on September 26th. The hoy, Leslie Hosking. who was also knocked down, and received severe injuries to his left leg, had to he curried into Court, and gave e.idenee propped up on tlm solicitors’ bench.

Dr Leonard Kerr Crow, attached to the Auckland Hospital, detailed the woman’s injuries which resulted in her death two hours after admission to the hospital Death .was due to shock and hemorrhage, consequent upon laceration of the right lung hy broken ribs. Leslie Howard Hosking, aged JO, said that with his grandmother, Mrs Short, he left his home shortly after seven o’clock to go to an entertainment. As it was raining they sheltered for a moment under a slum verandah, and then stepped out to hoard an oncoming tram.

“J. saw a motor car coming about nine yards behind the train.” said witness. “I do not know what happened to grandma, because she aas behind me. I could see the car was not going to stop and I jumped toward the tram. The mudguard of the motor hit my left leg. The motor car was going pretty fast, about 2d or SO miles' an hour. I didn’t hear any horn blow. | didn't see tbe driver of tbe motor because the lights were too bright.” Senior Detective Hammond said he arrested accused, who had made a statement in connection with the matter. He had also expressed sorrow that the accident had happened.

In his statement accused said he was driving at 20 miles an hour. It was raining heavily and he had the side screens up. He remembered passing a tr/im ear which was stopping. A stn|et light produced a glare on the road. He heard a scream, lie did not know what to do, but on the impulse of the moment decided to go on. He was perfectly sober. The matter would have been reported before. only lie received some ill advice. After further evidence accused was (ommittod for trial*. Bail in £1039. comprising two sureties of £.IOO each, was allowed.