COURT NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 5 March 1929, Page 3

COURT NEWS.

CONSTABLES CHARGED. WIIH TAKING A MOTOR CAR. JBy Telegraph—Press Association). CHRISTCHURCH, March 4. Two police constables, James Anderson Wilson and Stanton James Anderson appeared at the Magistrate’s Court to-day, charged that, on February 16, they unlawfully converted a motor car to their own use, hut not so as to be. guilty of theft. Wilson was also charged with driving without a license. The cars were lent to the police tfoitlie week-end to carry a police cricket team to Coalgate. An the-day before the match the two accused took one of the cars to New Brighton, and on their return an accident occurred. The> reported the accident, and the charges followed. In evidence, it was stated by a representative of the Dominion Motors, from whom the cars were hired, ana by defendants, that permission was given them to take the car out for a run to Brighton. This meant that the major charge failed. Wilson pleaded guilty to having no license, although it was stated he had been a taxi driver before entering the force. Wilson was fined five shillings with costs. MOTORIST CHARGED. . HAMILTON, March 4.. The trial is proceeding of Patrick Decgan, whose car crashed into a train at a level crossing at Hamilton on December Ist, causing the death of Alexander John Hamilton. Dcegan was charged with intoxication and negligent driving. Evidence . given showed he had' several beers during tlfe afternoon. The police and a doctor who examined him testified to intoxication. One of the passengers denied there was any sign of drink on Deegan. Counsel -for the defence attempted to show Deegan”s state was due to the excitment resulting from the accident. The ease was adjourned till to-mor-row.