SEQUEL TO MOTOR COLLISION AT STRATFORD.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVII, Issue 2886, 21 May 1925, Page 2

SEQUEL TO MOTOR COLLISION AT STRATFORD.

MARTIN CONVICTED. New Plymouth, Last Night. In the Supreme Court to-day the trial was continued of John Thomas Martin, a farmer, of Stratford, on a charge of manslaughter arising out of a motor collision with a cyclist, Thomas l-Jraziier Brattle, at Stratford on the evening of March IS. Martin was also charged under the Motor Vehicles Act with driving recklessly or negligently so as to cause the death of Brattle and with being drunk while in charge of a motor-car and by an act in relation thereto causing the death of Brattle. Brattle was found injured on the road and died a little later. Inquiries made by the police took them to the home of Alartin v. here, according to the evidence for I lie Crown, an examination of Alartin’s motor-car revealed skin, hair ami blood attached to the ear. Martin was aroused from his sleep and placed under arrest. Other evidence for the Crown showed that on the day of the accident Martin, accompanied by a friend, visited neighbouring towns in bis car and had several drinks. A witness who was given a lift in the car described the erratic driving of accused and said accused and his companion seemed to be under the influence of drink. He was satisfied Alartin was drunk. John Kane, accused's companion in the car, remembered it struck some obstacle near I’embrpke road corner (the scene, of the accident) and might have been a motor-cycle from the way they struck it. The jury retired at (J. 7 p.m. aud returned at 5.27 p.m. with a verdict. of guilty on the fourth of the tour charges, viz that on March IS, at Stratford, while in a state of intoxication, the accused was iu charge of a motor car and by colliding with Brattle caused his death. A strong t‘ecommcndntioin to mercy accompanied tire verdict. Sentence was postpened till Friday.