TIME TO PAY

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12616, 29 November 1926, Page 6

TIME TO PAY

UNUSUAL CASE DiUJNK-IN-CHARGE OF RUNAWAY CALL By Telegraph—Special to “Times.”) STRATFORD, November 28. An unusual drunk-in-chargc case was heard in tho local court, when Michael Joseph O’Gnuly was fined £2 and prohibited from obtaining a driver’s license for six months. Accused, who admitted intoxication, said he asked a man for a ride to New Plymouth. The request was granted, and he was told to wait in the car, which was at the left side of the street. The car com* menced to move, and in guiding it to the side O’Grady said his foot accidentally touched the self-starter, with the result that the vehicle moved forward about 15 chains, but eventually stopped. Ho had no license, and knew nothing about cars. Then the polio© appeared and he was arrested. Mr Coleman, for the defence, contended that the police had not proved O’Grady was in charge of the car, but the bench convicted. Mr Coleman asked for time, but the police objected. The justices on the bench did not seem too sure what to do about it, and suggested that accused remain in custody until the money was found. This led to a spirited debate between the bench and counsel, the latter declaring if the bench persisted in its extraordinary attitude it would constitute a miscarriage of justice which would shock the community. Accused was then allowed seven days to find the money, but must remain in Stratford till he does so.