MOTORIST CHARGED

Hokitika Guardian, 20 January 1928, Page 2

MOTORIST CHARGED

TWO CYCLISTS INJURED IN COLLISION

WELLINGTON, January 18.

A collision between a motor-ear and a motor-cycle at Upper Hutt on September 17 had its sequel in the Magistrate's Court to-day, when the driver of the car, Albert Goodman, was charged with reckless and negligent driving and causing bodily injuries to the riders of the motor cycle, Percy John Aldridge and Norman Partita. Mr E. Page, S.M., was on the Bench.

Evidence was given by Albert Whiteman that he was riding a motor cycle in company with Aldridge and Parata, who were on one machine. As they were approaching, two .-motorcars. one driven by Goodman, which was in the rear, shot out from behind the other and struck the motorcycle. Witness did not hear a horn sounded before the car attempted to pass. Witness found Goodman to he intoxicated after the accident.

Wilson Alfred Hazelwood, who was driving the other car, said lie was travelling at about 25 miles per hour. He did not hear a. horn sounded and had not slowed down himself.

Percy Joint Aldridge, who had to he assisted into Court, stated that lie and his companion had consumed one bottle of beer before the accident. The two motor-cycles were abreast and travelling at between fifteen and twenty miles per hour. AVhen witness first saw the cars he accelerated and passed Whiteman, watching the first car closely Then the second car shot out. giving witness no chance to avoid a collision. The motor-cycle was on its extreme left when it was struck. Witness had his left arm and leg broken, and his leg had since been amputated. The first car, witness considered, was doing about twenty-five miles per hour. Goodman’s speed when he pulled out would he about sixty miles an hour. At no time was witness exceeding 25 miles pet- hour. He admitted that he was not licensed to drive a motor cycle. Witness said tliat he tried to swerve in towards the centrew

of the road when he saw that an impact was inevitable, as he thought Goodman was going well over on his wrong side.

Afor ris Paul Nottingham: a bystander. said that it appeared to him that the car in front of Goodman’s stopped suddenly and Goodman swung out to avoid it.

Questioned by the Afagistratc, witness said that lie was an acquaintance of Goodman's, and they had spoken to each other of the accident. Another witness stated that the car. just before the accident, was point; at about fifty miles per hour. His opinion was that Goodman was intoxicated. Other evidence of Goodman’s speed was given, and two witnesses said that Goodman was sober. This concluded the case for the Crown. The case was adjourned till January JO. Bail was renewed.