HEAVY FINES

Hokitika Guardian, 14 February 1933, Page 5

HEAVY FINES

DRUNKEN DRIVER CANCELLATION OF LICENSE (Per Press Association — Copyright.) WELLINGTON, Feb. 13. After pleading guilty, John Joseph McGrath, aged 54, solicitor, was fined £ls by Mr J. G. L. Hewitt, S.M., today on a charge of being intoxicated while in charge of a motor car. “It was only after very serious consideration of the case that I advised th, defendant to plead guilty,” said Mr Watson, who,appeared for defendant. “This is not a caste' of drunkenness in the ordinary sense at all; in the present case, while Mr McGrath according to the medical report, undoubtedly was not drunk, his control of the car may have been lessened by the effect of a very small quantity of liquor on certain physical disabilities. Without comment, the Magistrate fined the defendant £ls, also cancelling his driver’s license for six months.

Mr Watson: “I would ‘like to be heard on the question of the license.” Tile Magistrate: “I can hear you but I can’t alter the practice.” Mr Watson Said that the defendant had a large country practice, and used his car a good deal in following it. There was absolutely no chance of the defendant even again being placed in the position that he was in at present. Counsel pleaded that he be allowed to retain his driver’s license.

The Magistrate: “Where it is a case of driving for pleasure and the driver’s license is not a strict necessity, then the practice is to cancel. Mr McGrath is in a position to get some one to drive for him.

An immediate appeal is being lodged with the Supreme Court against the order cancelling the license.