SEQUEL TO COLLISION.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3658, 28 June 1927, Page 3

SEQUEL TO COLLISION.

CAR DRIVER HELD TO BE

DRUNK,

At the Palmerston N. Police Court yesterday, Jens C. Jensen, of Foxton, pleaded not guilty to a charge of driving a ear near Rangiotu yn May 23 while in a state of intoxication.

John Leo O’Reilly stated in evidence that on May 23 he was driving Madge Bros, char-a-banc near Rangibtu. He saw a car approaching in an erratic manner and suspecting something wrong, he slowed. Defednant also stated that the with two wheels well over on the grass. In spite of this precaution, a collision occurred. Jensen was the driver of the car and when he came back on witness’s request, it was noticed" that he was drunk. In any cage he was in an unfit state to drive a car and he could not walk very straight. G. Bruce Hollier, a passenger, gave corroborative evidence and said he offered to drive accused’s car to Foxton.

Constable Ryan stated that on the evening of May 23 he went to Jensen’s house. He questioned defendant about the collision. Jensen was in a muddled condition although not drunk enough to be arrested. Defendant also stated that he collision had taken place near Himatangi but actually it had happened six miles away. Jensen, in witness’s opinion, was not in a fit state to be in charge of a car. There was plenty of room on the road for two vehicles to pass. Accused, in evidence, said while in Palmerston N. he had three drinks but'that was all. It was the dazzling lights»of the char-a-banc that affected his driving a little bit. When he realised he had hit the bus he stopped and went back to see what had happened. After the accident he was able to drive to Foxton without any trouble, but when he got home he had a whisky to steady up his nerves. Evidence was given by Mrs Jensen and Mr Wm. McKegg, to the effect that prior to leaving Palmerston N. accused showed no signs of intoxication.

Accused was convicted and fined £5 and costs £2 11/-.