STRUCK BY CAR

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 564, 22 June 1933, Page 5

STRUCK BY CAR

CHARGE OF NEGLIGENT DRIVING AGAINST MOTORIST SEQUEL TO FATALITY Auckland, Wednesday An inquest is being held to-day ipto the death of David Percival Ellis, who ' on the evening of May 9, was found on the roadside at Takapuna suffering from head injuries. Simultaneously evidence is being heard on* a charge against Noel William McCoil, of Otorohanga, of negligent driving, thereby causing Ellis' deathl Evidence was given that just before Ellis was found there was a rainstorm and a small car, incompletely lighted, was observed travelling at a fast rate- along the main road. A sister-in-law of accused, who was a passenger in the car, gave evidence that when the car was in Hurtsmere Road, where Ellis was sujjsequently found, accused's wife called out" I thinlc we hit something." Accused did not stop the car. The police produced a statement allegedly made by accused in which he said he hit something and "got the wind up." He pleaded not guilty and reserved his defence. He was committed for trial. Bail was allowed. As .coronet the magistrate returned a verdict that deceased's death was due to a fractured skull, caused by befng knocked down by q car driven hy accused. He said the question whether the car was driven negligently evidently was for the jury to decide.