MOTOR OFFENCES

Hokitika Guardian, 22 November 1930, Page 5

MOTOR OFFENCES

FATHER AND SON. (By Telegraph—Per Press Association.’ CHRISTCHURCH, November 21. > Penalties totalling £4O were imposed on a father and son, Walter George Betteridge and Walter George Betridge, jnnr., in the Magistrate’s Court to-day by Mr E, ,D. Alosley, S.M., after hearing a nunibdr of charges against them arising out of an accident on July 2, 1930, in which a lorry owned by the father and driven by the son, knocked down and seriously injured a girl, Doris Metcalfe. The son was also ordered to pay £4O compensation to the injured girl. Bettridge junr. was charged with negligently driving a motor lorry, using an unlicensed lorry, and failing when required, to give his name and address to S. J. Geary, a person concerned in the accident; with failing to report the accident, and with driving a motor lorry at night without proper lights.

Bettridge senr., was charged with permitting the use of an unregistered lorrv.

Both pleaded not guilty,

The police case was that Bettridge junr. was driving the lorry at a fast speed with only one light shewing, and lie knocked down a giri eyc-li-t It was alleged that be afterwards gave a wrong name and address, and that later, to a constable, he denied all knowledge of the accident. The defence was a complete denial that the lorry was driven by either of them at the time of the accident. Both accused were convicted. Bettridge junr. was fined £2O, and order ed to pay £4O compensation to Doris MetcaUe; in default three months’ imprisonment. For failing to give his correct name, Bettridge junr. was fined £lO, or in default one month. Bettridge, senr.. was fined £lO, or in default one month.