LICENCE CANCELLED

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 499, 31 October 1928, Page 1

LICENCE CANCELLED

YOUTHFUL MOTORIST’S CARELESSNESS OFF-SIDE RULE IGNORED After cancelling his licence at the Police Court this morning, Mr. F. K. Hunt, S.M., severely reprimanded a youthful motorist who had failed to observe the offside rule. William Molloy Cashmore was charged with failing to give way to a vehicle approaching from the right. The facts of the case, according to Sub-Inspector McCarthy, were that Cashmore had been driving a van in Pompallier Terrace on August 21, and, through failure to observe the offside rule, had knocked down a motorcyclist, who had been in hospital since. Cashmore thought that the cyclist had put up his hand to signal that he was about to turn, but Mr. A. Storm, the cyclist, explained that it was an involuntary movement made when he saw that a collision was inevitable. Mr. Storm, who had suffered a fracture of the right ankle, limped into court on crutches. Keith Robertson, who had seen the accident, and had been brought up from Wellington to give evidence this morning, considered that Cashmore had been driving at an excessive speed, and was entirely at fault. Defendant told the magistrate that he was 16 years old, and had been driving for four months. “I am going to cancel your licence,” said Mr. Hunt. ‘‘Through your criminal carelessness this unfortunate man has been laid up for two months.” Mr. Hayes, for Cashmore, asked for leniency, as his client, who was only on a small wage, drove a delivery van for his living. Mr. Hunt amended his decision, and ordered the licence to •be cancelled for a year. “He has nearly killed a man, and should not be allowed to drive,” the magistrate continued. “The offside rule must be respected.” Cashmore was ordered to pay costs, £9 6s. Mr. Hunt made a reference to damages, but Mr. J. F. W. Dickson, who was watching the proceedings on behalf of Mr. Storm, mentioned that he intended to proceed against the employer. It was unlikely that the boy cot; 1 pay anything.