POLICE CRITICISED

Hokitika Guardian, 1 February 1930, Page 6

POLICE CRITICISED

PROSECUTION OF MGTOJRTSTS. HAWERA, Jan. 29. “In a case properly one for civil action, the police should not lend themselves as a cat-spaw to have the blame apportioned,” said Mr Salmon, S.M., at Hawera, when dismissing charges of breaches of the motor regulations. The case arose out of a collision on Christinas Day, one man being charged with failing to give way to traffic coming from the right and the other with failing to put out his right hand when about to turn.

“In this case, as in many, the police had been called to the scene of the accident. On arrival they found the cars in a certain position with certain skidmarks visible,” said the Magistrate .aftelr hearing ,the evidence. “They took statements from both parties and that was all the evidence presented for the prosecution, and it is clearly insufficient. “The police, by charging both parties, created a triangular duel, relying upon, the evidence of one party to convict another. They are not entitled to do so. The evidence for the police should lie sufficient in itself to secure a conviction. The result oi the existing practice is that the evidence of the respective parties, is in direct conflict, and it is impossible for the Court,,to, apportion.,,the blame.”