EIGHTEEN MONTHS GAOL

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVIII, Issue 3673, 2 August 1927, Page 3

EIGHTEEN MONTHS GAOL

SEQUEL TO TAWiA FLAT MOTOR FATALITY. Wellington, August 2. Sentence of eighteen months’ imprisonment Avas imposed in the Supreme Court to-day by Mi’. Justice MacGregor on William John AValling, carrier of Eastbourne ,who Avas found guilty on Thursday of negligent driving of *a. motor car at TaAva Flat recently, Avhereby another car Avas forced over a 70foot bank, resulting in the death of Mrs. Helen Telfer. Evidence Avas, called of accused’s good character and his counsel (Mr. Percy) urged that the accident all happened in a flash. Was it not, after all, he said, an error of judgment? Walling’s ear AA r as not insured and he would be a heavy loser financially. He Avas liable to actions for damages. His Honour said he did not consider either counsel’s remarks or the evidence of character were extenuating circumstances. He agreed with the verdict of the jury, based as it Avas, on the most cogent and convincing evidence. The circumstances rendered the offence in some respects unique. It Avas not the result of a drunken escapade, nor, as suggested, a mere slip or error of judgment committed by a nervous or inexperienced driver. On the contrary, it appeared to be the result of a deliberate and reckless attempt by an experienced motorist and professional driver to rush past another car at night at a dangerous spot, Avell-knoAving the risks he Avas encountering. Prisoner did not even stop, but sped on towards Wellington. Fortunately two young men in a ear behind chased him for more than a mile, focussing a spotlight on his number plate, thereby, identifying him. At the trial prisonei gave evidence which the jury rightly disbelieved and called at least one witness—a dishonest Avitness—to support his lying story. He thought a fine Avas out of the question. Careless and reckless motorists must be taught not to endanger human lives on the public highway.

The sentence imposed in this case serves to throw into further relief the extraordinary lenient treatment by Mr. Justice Reed on Friday of lavo men Stacey and Harper, convicted last week of responsibility for the motor fatality on the Hutt Road, which resulted in the untimely death of Henry Brian Kenny.