CHARGE OF PERJURY

Manawatu Herald, Volume LI, Issue 4545, 18 December 1930, Page 3

CHARGE OF PERJURY

FJOIIO OF FATAL CRASH. " . Gisborne, Dec. lfi. On October 27 a Power Board employee named Eric Francis Mackay took a Power Board van from a job on the Showgrounds and, in company with a companion named Thomas Martin Corcoran, travelled to Makaraka. Alien they were returning and were just outside the Showgrounds gate (he van capsized -and Corcoran was killed. At the inquest Mackay staled that at the time of the van overturning Corcoran was driving. The coroner, Air. P. 11. Harper, S.M., held, however, that the van was driven by Mackav and not by Corcoran. A sequel was the appearance at the Magistrate’s Court before Mr. Harper of Eric Francis Mackay, who was charged that on November Hi (the. day of the inquest) he committed perjury by falsely swearing -that Corcoran was the driver of the van. After a lengthy bearing the Magistrate said that a -prima facie case had been made out. Accused pleaded not guilty and was committed to the Supreme. Court Cor trial. After (lie inquest Mackay was charged with negligently driving the van, thereby causing the death of Corcoran, hint this afternoon Detective McLeod said that he would offer no evidence on that ( barge, which was withdrawn.