One Driver Convicted, One Discharged On Intoxication Charges

Taupo Times, Volume XIV, Issue 45, 10 June 1965, Page 7

One Driver Convicted, One Discharged On Intoxication Charges

A Taupo labourer, Harry Williams, 47, was sentenced to 10 days' imprisonj ment for driving a motor vehicle while intoxicated, when he appeared before Mr G. J. Donne, S.M., in the Taupo Magistratets Court on Tuesday. He was also disqualified from holding a licence for three years. Willianis pleaded guilty. Prosecuting, Sergeant T. A. A. Marson said Williams had been driving south along Lake Terrace shortly after mid-day on June 5 and ran into the back of another car. The police were called and Williams was eonsidered to be intoxicated and arrested. At the police station, he was examined by a doctor who said that he was "very drunk," " Sergeant Marson said. " No one was injured in the iaccident, but both vehicles were extensively damaged. Mr Donne said he took a serious view of the matter. Williams had been a menace on the road and an accident had occurred. A similar charge hrought against Tom Huria, Taupo, mill foreman, was dismissed hy Mr Donne. Through Mr J. P. L. Bailey, Hunia pleaded not guilty. Called by Sergeant Marson. Dr. A. W. Martin said he examined accused on May 29, the day of the alleged offence. He thought Hunia mildly intoxicated and a border-line case on clinical grounds. To Mr Bailey, he said he thought accused would have heen ahle to control a vehicle. Traffic Officer A. M. Campbell said he had noticed a car apparently being driven in an erratic manner along Heu Heu Street. The car turned into Rifle Range Road and went onto the wrong side of the road. He stopped the driver and thought hina unfit to drive. His breath smelt and he was

unsteady, Mr Oampbell said. He took him to the police station. Constable A. J. McPherson, who was on duty in the watch-house, said Hunia was very co-operative with the police, but, he would not have permrtted him to drive a car. To Mr Bailey, Constable McPherson said it was possible Hunia could not have had full control of a vehicle. Mr Bailey submitted there was no case to answer. There was a doubt as to whether Hunia would have heen incapable. Hunia was fined £8 for failing to keep left.