ALLEGED INTOXICATION

Wairarapa Times-Age, 7 June 1939, Page 9

ALLEGED INTOXICATION

CHARGE AGAINST DOCTOR DISMISSED. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WANGANUI June 6. An Auckland doctor, Joseph Roger Connolly, was charged in the Magistrate’s Court, VZanganui, today, with being found in a state of intoxication while in charge of a motor-car. He pleaded not guilty, and after evidence was heard the case was dismissed, the Magistrate, Mr Coleman, commenting that he jvould give accused the benefit of the doubt, and adding that he said doubt advisedly. Senior-Sergeant J. R. Capp said that after being arrested Connolly was asked to walk down a passage and back. He staggered and when turning almost fell against the wall. He was told to stand and touch the floor, and this test he performed very well. He said he came from Auckland and had attended the races. He said he was a Wanganui boy, and had met friends at the racecourse and consumed many drinks with them. He was very thick in his speech. When told he Was going to be charged with being intoxicated while in charge of a car, he replied, “What for?” Witness repeated the statement, and he again replied, “What for?” Witness was satisfied after observations extending over half an hour that Connolly was in an intoxicated state, and not fit to be in charge of a car. Dr. J. Anderson, in evidence, said Connolly was fit to drive a car a quarter of an hour to 20 minutes before witness examined him. Dr. G. H. Robertson said he examined defendant at 6.10 p.m. He was in full possession of his faculties. There were signs he had taken drink, but there were no signs that he was affected. G. F. Moore said Connolly had.been his guest for the past two weeks. He was in a fit state to drive a car, otherwise witness would have driven the car himself.