WOMAN’S DEATH

Wairarapa Times-Age, 18 October 1938, Page 2

WOMAN’S DEATH

NEGLIGENT DRIVING CHARGE. I MOTORIST FINED. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) DUNEDIN, October 17. Thomas Smith Corruth, of Omakau, charged with having negligently driven a motor-car thereby causing the death of Mabel Frances Liggens, was found guilty with a strong recommendation to mercy in the Supreme Court today. Mr F. B. Adams, Crown prosecutor, conducted the case for the Crown, and accused was represented by Mr G. T. Baylee. Mrs Liggens was cycling home on her husband’s bicycle and was knocked down by accused’s car at a bend not far from her home. Evidence showed that Mrs Liggens was riding an unlighted cycle and that accused cut a corner. Accused admitted having had four whiskies during the day but was quite sober and there was no charge of intoxication. His Honour, passing sentence, said the case was ’ different from cases in the past in respect of which he had imposed terms of imprisonment, and he proposed to give full effect to the jury’s recommendation to mercy by imposing a fine. A fine of £l5, in default not more than 14 days’ imprisonment, was imposed, and accused’s licence was suspended for two months.