INTOXICATED DRIVER

Hokitika Guardian, 15 November 1928, Page 2

INTOXICATED DRIVER

FINED £2O AND LICENSE CANCELLED.

CHRISTCHURCH, November 13

“It is apparent that, in return for the motor ride the hospitality extended to the driver was too much altogether,” said Mr Tracy, when he appeared on behalf of Alexander Pendrigh in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday. Pendrigh was charged with being in a state of intoxication while in charge of a motor-car in Cashel Street on November 9, Show Day.

Defendant was fined £2O, his driver’s license was cancelled, and he was prohibited from obtaining another until May 31, 1930. Sub-Inspector Fitzpatrick said that defendant was charged under section 28 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1924. He was driving easterly along Cashel Street on his wrong side of the road, and when near the intersection of Bnrbadoes Street, collided with a motorcyclist and pillon-rider coming from the opposite |direction. The rider of the motor cycle was still in hospital suffering from cuts, bruises, and shock. The pillion-rider had a cut over the eye. When the police arrived on the scene they found defendant helplessly drunk, and he was promptly arrested, continued the Sub-Inspector. There was a great amount of traffic on the roads on Show Day. Defendant’s condition far exceeded that of a state of intoxication. A woman who was in defendant’s car was also drunk. Another man who occupied the enr cleared

when lie saw trouble brewing. Defendant was a motor mechanic in the employ of a city firm. Mr Tracy said that at the Show Grounds defendant was asked by a man and woman to give them a “ lift ’’ into town. He did not know the man and woman. He gave them a ride, and in return they persisted in defendant visiting an hotel with them. “It is apparent that, in return for the ride, the hospitality was too much altogether,” added Mr Tracy. “The* man and woman in the car were not oi his party, neither did lie know them. He went on to the wrong side of the road to avoid a cyclist, hut could not avoid the other cyclist. Defendant is twenty-six years of age, single ; and I would like the Court to take into account that he has been in Paparua prison since Friday.” The Magistrate said that such practices could not possibly be tolerated in a town of the size ol Christchurch. Defendant would be fined £2O. in default one month’s imprisonment, his driver’s license would lie cancelled and he would be prohibited from obtaining another until May 31, 1930. Defendant was ordered to pay witnesses’ expenses 15s and cab hire 2s 9d.